Crystalglobulinemia

Abstract

A cryoprotein consisting of spontaneously formed crystals of gamma globulin (IgG3K) has been found in the serum of a 54-year-old woman who has had repeated episodes of widespread purpura and necrotic cutaneous ulcerations. No renal disease or involvement of other organ systems have been observed. Analyses of the patient's serum showed microscopic crystals of gamma globulin comprising at times almost 50% of her serum volume when cooled to 4 °C. Treatment with corticoids and plasmapheresis has been successful in controlling the manifestations of her disease.