Cryoglobulinemische vasculitis bij een geriatrische patiënte: een casusbespreking

Abstract

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in an 89-year-old female: a case report Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is an autoimmune-mediated systemic disorder in which circulating serum immunoglobulins precipitate at a reduced temperature, resulting in inflammation of the small- to medium-sized vessels, which can lead to a wide spectrum of systemic manifestations, including cutaneous, musculoskeletal, renal, neurological, cardiac, hematological, pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Since there is a broad spectrum of clinical presentations of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, a correct diagnosis might be delayed or even missed. The overall prevalence of the disease is unknown, but is estimated to be low at approximately 1 per 100,000. This case report describes an 89-year-old female patient presenting with extensive purpura, acronecrosis, neuropathy, muscle weakness, creatine kinase elevation and deterioration of the kidney function. The diagnosis of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis was made. Surprisingly, no underlying infection or malignancy was found, despite extensive investigations.