Acute type II cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis mimicking atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease

Ir J Med Sci. 2010 Sep;179(3):435-7. doi: 10.1007/s11845-008-0203-6. Epub 2008 Aug 19.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease is a common presenting cause for digital ischaemia in life long smokers. Acute severe Type II Cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis is a rare yet important cause, which may present with similar clinical features and which if undiagnosed may be rapidly fatal. Following the instigation of therapy with intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide this patient made an excellent recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atherosclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Cryoglobulinemia / complications*
  • Epoprostenol / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fingers / blood supply
  • Heel
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Necrosis
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Skin Ulcer / pathology*
  • Skin Ulcer / physiopathology
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Epoprostenol
  • Methylprednisolone