Peripheral neuropathy in cold agglutinin disease

Muscle Nerve. 1991 Apr;14(4):331-4. doi: 10.1002/mus.880140407.

Abstract

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) characteristically presents as anemia and cold-induced rash. We report a man with purpura, anemia, cold agglutinins, and a sensory-autonomic polyneuropathy. Treatment with corticosteroids and plasma exchange resulted in resolution of the anemia and polyneuropathy. We propose that CAD may be associated with a reversible sensory-autonomic neuropathy in the absence of cryoglobulinemia. Although unsupported by pathologic findings, pathogenetic hypotheses for the neuropathy in CAD are similar to those proposed for cryoglobulinemic neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / complications*
  • Biopsy
  • Demyelinating Diseases / diagnosis
  • Demyelinating Diseases / etiology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Sural Nerve / pathology