This video uses art, science and stop-motion photography to explain Cryoglobulinemia, a rare type of vasculitis or blood vessel damage.  The immunoglobulin response to cold is shown inside the blood vessel.

Reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Paul Monach. Producer: Matt Hanlon, www.thoughtfulduck.com, 

Amy O’Hanlon, llustrator http://aeohanlon.carbonmade.com  

Coordinator/Sponsor: Eileen Propp, Ph.D. www.proppsolutions.com

Is Cryoglobulinemia Associated with Other Diseases?

I created this chart to help simplify how cryoglobulinemia is associated with other diseases. Three categories are defined by associated diseases; Cancer, Infections, and Autoimmune. The fourth category is defined by the lack of an associated disease.

Autoimmune Diseases (serological) Cancer or Malignancies (Active or Inactive Cancers) Infections* No Other Disease Category
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Systemic lupus erthematosus
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  •  MGUS – Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
  • Primary Macroglobulinemia
  • Multiple Myeloma
  •  *Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly associated to cryo.
  • Other Infections
  • Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia

In the absence or presence of associated disorders such as infectious, cancerous or autoimmune Cryo is labelled: Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia. Sometimes called Primary Cryoglobulinemia.

What are the Cryoglobulinemia Types

Cryoglobulinemia Types: 1, 2, 3

TYPE of Cryoglobulinemia Immunoglobulin (Ig) or Antibody Type Notes
Cryoglobulinemia type I Single cryoglobulinemia, also called monoclonal (mono means one) or one type. Only one of the following: immunoglobulin M (IgM) immunoglobulin G (IgG) immunoglobulin A (IgA) Single Cryoglobulinemia. monoclonal cryoglobulinemia.
Cryoglobulinemia type II Mixed cryoglobulinemia: multiple types of Ig that contain rheumatoid factors (RFs), which are usually IgM, rarely, IgG or IgA. RFs form complexes with the fragment, crystallizable (Fc) portion of polyclonal IgG. The actual RF may be monoclonal in type II cryoglobulinemia. immunoglobulin. Mixed cryoglobulinemia: Types II & III cryoglobulinemia represent 80% of all cryoglobulins. In the absence or presence of associated disorders such as infectious, cancerous or autoimmune Cryo Type II is labelled: Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia.
Cryoglobulinemia type III Mixed cryoglobulinemia; multiple types of Ig that contain rheumatoid factors (RFs), which are usually IgM, rarely, IgG or IgA. The actual RF may be polyclonal (in type III cryoglobulinemia) immunoglobulin. Mixed cryoglobulinemia: Types II & III cryoglobulinemia represent 80% of all cryoglobulins. In the absence or presence of associated disorders such as infectious, cancerous or autoimmune Cryo Type III is labelled: Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia.

Content  Reviewed by Dr. Peter Merkel