Cryofibrinogenaemia: not just skin deep

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 20:2013:bcr2012008102. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-008102.

Abstract

A Caucasian woman in her 60s with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presented to our institution complaining of skin ulceration. Her initial course was complicated by superinfection and sepsis until a diagnosis of cryofibrinogenaemia was finally established. Cryofibrinogenaemia remains as an under-recognised entity in part, because it can mimic other causes of skin ulcerations. In addition, its diagnosis can be challenging because of the particular handling techniques required of lab specimens. This case exemplifies some of the diagnostic and treatment challenges encountered while managing the patient with cryofibrinogenaemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Cryoglobulinemia / blood
  • Cryoglobulinemia / complications
  • Cryoglobulinemia / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fibrinogens, Abnormal / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Ulcer / diagnosis*
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology
  • Thigh

Substances

  • Fibrinogens, Abnormal

Supplementary concepts

  • Cryofibrinogenemia