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Diagnosis of type I cryoglobulinaemia made through identifying crystals in the blood smear
Author(s) -
Shirato Kyoko,
Reid Catherine,
Ibbetson Jan S,
Hissaria Pravin,
Shireen Sidhu
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2009.00559.x
Subject(s) - cryoglobulin , medicine , blood smear , blood testing , pathology , dermatology , cryoglobulinemia , immunology , hepatitis c virus , virus , malaria
We report a case of type I cryoglobulinaemia in a 52‐year‐old man who presented with widespread cutaneous necrosis. The diagnosis could not be established early on, as repeated testing for cryoglobulin was negative despite a careful collection method. The diagnosis was made 1 year later, on an incidental full blood smear that revealed crystals, which is an uncommon way to diagnose this condition. We discuss the difficulties we faced in establishing the diagnosis and emphasise the need for repeat cryoglobulin testing in this clinical setting. In such cases, examination of a blood smear should be considered.