IMMUNOFLUORESCENT STUDIES OF THE SKIN IN CRYGLOBULINAEMIC VASCULITIS

Abstract

SUMMARY.— Six patients with vasculitis and cryoglobulinaemia have been investigated. In all but 1 the cryoglobulins were of the mixed variety. On immunofluorescence of the acute vasculitis lesions deposits of immunoglobulins of the same classes as those found in the cryoglobulins were detected in 4 patients; other immunoglobulins not present in the cryoglobulin were additionally present in 2 of the 4 and no or only weak deposits were present in 2. Fibrin and complement were found in all. The pathogenesis of vasculitis in cryoglobulinaemia is discussed.