Cryoglobulinemia

Diagnosis

Your doctor makes a diagnosis of cryoglobulinemia after doing a thorough history and physical exam and getting results from your blood and urine tests. At times, your doctor may take small samples of tissue (biopsy).

Cryoglobulinemia has many possible signs and symptoms. Most common are weakness, fatigue, joint ache (arthralgia), and red or purple spots (purpura) that occur on your legs or feet. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of ankles and legs
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands or feet
• Skin ulcers and gangrene
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Abdominal pain

Cryoglobulinemia may also be associated with other diseases, such as Raynaud's disease.