RENAL INVOLVEMENT IN ESSENTIAL CRYOGLOBULINEMIA

Abstract

Abstract. A report is presented on five patients, three female and two male, who exhibited cryoglobulinaemia and symptoms of renal involvement. Four of the patients had a purpuric eruption during some phase of their illness. These five cases may be characterized as essential cryoglobulinaemia, since the conditions associated with secondary cryoglobulinaemia could be ruled out. Glomerular and vascular lesions were demonstrated by light‐microscopic studies of percutaneous renal biopsy specimens. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed nodular deposits of immunoglobulin and complement in the glomerular capillary walls. Two biopsy specimens were investigated by electron‐microscopic means, and in one case subepithelial discrete deposits were demonstrated. These deposits were identical with the “humps” observable in acute post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Two patients completely recovered from the renal disease and two died.