Cryoglobulinemia

Symptoms

Cryoglobulinemia is a syndrome with many possible symptoms. Most common are weakness, arthralgia (joint ache), and purpura (purple bruises, most commonly of the lower extremities). Besides the skin and joints, organs commonly involved include nerves, kidneys and liver. Symptoms and signs may include:

• Weakness
• Joint aches (arthralgias)
• Purple/red spots on the extremities
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• 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
• Kidney damage

The course of the disease will vary. Symptoms may come and go seemingly without explanation. For some, but not all, cold temperatures will cause flare-ups.