Cryoglobulinemia with acronecrosis not associated with hepatitis C infection: a case report.

Cryoglobulinemia is a rare disease characterized by the production of monoclonal or polyclonal immunoglobulins that precipitate in cold temperature. While this phenomenon can be observed in a large number of disorders, it has been associated with hepatitis C virus infection in more than 90% of cases. The remaining 10%, called essential cryoglobulinemia, has been characterized by a more severe course and a failure to respond to conventional treatment. This article describes the case of a patient with essential cryoglobulinemia presenting with acronecrosis with a poor outcome, despite treatment, leading to amputation.