Skip to content

We are currently in beta

Please enjoy the existing content while we continue to fix and enhance your experience.

We would love to receive any feedback or comments that you'd like to share.

You can contact us here

Journeys of Life StoryMD Health Communities

Why StoryMD
Our Story
Point of Care
Newsletter
Contact Us
Help Center

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Accessibility

Find us on facebook
Find us on instagram
Find us on linkedin
Find us on pinterest
Find us on twitter
Find us on youtube

© 2024 StoryMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Cryoglobulinemia

Table of Contents

Cryoglobulinemia

Cryoglobulinemic Disease; Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis

Cryoglobulinemia is caused by abnormal proteins in the blood called cryoglobulins. At cold temperatures, these proteins become solid or gel-like, which can block blood vessels and cause a variety of health problems, like breathing problems, fatigue, joint pain, and skin ulcers. Learn more about cryoglobulinemia and its treatment.

Cryoglobulinemia

Image by Madhero88

About

Cryoglobulinemia

Image by Madhero88 / Photographs from Dermnet.com.

Cryoglobulinemia

Cryoglobulinemia

Image by Madhero88 / Photographs from Dermnet.com.

What Is Cryoglobulinemia?

Cryoglobulinemia is a type of vasculitis that is caused by abnormal proteins (antibodies) in the blood called "cryoglobulins." At cold temperatures, these proteins become solid or gel-like, which can block blood vessels and cause a variety of health problems. Many people affected by this condition will not experience any unusual signs or symptoms. When present, symptoms vary but may include breathing problems; fatigue; glomerulonephritis; joint or muscle pain; purpura; Raynaud's phenomenon; skin death; and/or skin ulcers.

In some cases, the exact underlying cause is unknown; however, cryoglobulinemia can be associated with a variety of conditions including certain types of infection; chronic inflammatory diseases (such as autoimmune disease); and/or cancers of the blood or immune system.

Treatment varies based on the severity of the condition, the symptoms present in each person and the underlying cause.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (3)

A Cryoglobulinemia Story with Dr. Diane Dike

Video by rarediseaseday/YouTube

Vasculitis

Video by Dirty Medicine/YouTube

Vasculitis | Clinical Presentation

Video by Medscape/YouTube

2:58

A Cryoglobulinemia Story with Dr. Diane Dike

rarediseaseday/YouTube

16:33

Vasculitis

Dirty Medicine/YouTube

14:23

Vasculitis | Clinical Presentation

Medscape/YouTube

Diagnosis

Angiogram Imaging

Image by TheVisualMD

Angiogram Imaging

Once the catheter is in place, the contrast dye is injected through it to help the doctor look at the blockage on the angiogram. After the injection of dye the patient may feel a warm flush spreading throughout the body.

Image by TheVisualMD

How Is Cryoglobulinemia Diagnosed?

Cryoglobulinemia can be diagnosed by certain blood tests, examining a sample of skin (skin biopsy), urine tests (urinalysis, particularly to look for blood in the urine), taking images of the arteries (angiogram), a chest x-ray, and/or testing the funtion of the nerves in the arms or legs.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (4)

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

Image by BruceBlaus

Cancer screening

Screening for Cancer: Urine Tests : Urine samples may contain tumor markers, which can suggest cancer. Urinalysis is commonly a part of routine health screening. It is simply an analysis of the urine that can be performed in many healthcare settings including doctors' offices, urgent care facilities, laboratories, and hospitals. Urinalysis can disclose evidence of diseases, even some that have not caused significant signs or symptoms.

Image by TheVisualMD

What Is Vasculitis?

Figure A shows a normal artery with normal blood flow. The inset image shows a cross-section of the normal artery. Figure B shows an inflamed, narrowed artery with decreased blood flow. The inset image shows a cross-section of the inflamed artery. Figure C shows an inflamed, blocked (occluded) artery and scarring on the artery wall. The inset image shows a cross-section of the blocked artery. Figure D shows an artery with an aneurysm. The inset image shows a cross-section of the artery with an aneurysm.

Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Insitute (NIH)

Cryoglobulinemia

Image by Madhero88

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

BruceBlaus

Cancer screening

TheVisualMD

What Is Vasculitis?

National Heart Lung and Blood Insitute (NIH)

Cryoglobulinemia

Madhero88

Skin Biopsy

Skin Biopsy

Also called: Skin Lesion Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. Skin biopsies are used to check for skin cancer, skin infections, or skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

Skin Biopsy

Also called: Skin Lesion Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. Skin biopsies are used to check for skin cancer, skin infections, or skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

{"label":"Skin Biopsy Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"If your results are normal, it means no cancer or skin disease was found. If a skin lesion is benign (not cancer), you may not need any further treatment.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"Once the biopsy confirms the diagnosis, your provider will start a treatment plan.","conditions":["Bacterial or fungal infection","Psoriasis or dermatitis","Melanoma","Basal cell skin cancer","Squamous cell skin cancer"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Normal.
If your results are normal, it means no cancer or skin disease was found. If a skin lesion is benign (not cancer), you may not need any further treatment.
Related conditions
A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. The procedure can help diagnose a skin lesion (an abnormal area of skin). The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for skin cancer, a variety of skin conditions, or skin infections. Only certain skin lesions need a biopsy. Your provider may be able to diagnose many types of lesions just by looking at them.
There are three main ways to do a skin biopsy. The type of biopsy you have depends on the location, size, and depth of the skin lesion:
- A shave biopsy removes a sample from the top layers of skin with a razor blade or scalpel (a small cutting blade used for surgery). Your provider will do a shave biopsy if your condition appears to involve only the top layers of skin.
- A punch biopsy uses a special tool with a round blade to remove the skin sample. Your provider will do a punch biopsy if your condition appears to involve the deep layers of skin.
- An excisional biopsy uses a scalpel to remove all of the skin lesion, usually with some normal skin around it. The sample may include the full thickness of the skin along with fat below the skin.
Most skin biopsies can be done in a health care provider's office or other outpatient facility.
A skin biopsy is used to help diagnose a variety of skin conditions including:
- Skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, actinic keratosis ("precancers"), and warts.
- Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin.
- Skin cancer. A biopsy can confirm or rule out whether a suspicious mole or other growth is cancer. If the result is cancer, the biopsy can show what type of skin cancer it is.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. These cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body and can usually be cured with treatment. In many cases, the biopsy removes all the cancer, and no other treatment is needed.
The most serious type of skin cancer is melanoma. It's more likely than other skin cancers to spread to other parts of your body, including to your organs. Most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma.
A skin biopsy can help diagnose skin cancer in the early stages, when it's easier to treat.
You may need a skin biopsy if you have certain skin symptoms, such as:
- A rash that doesn't go away
- Scaly or rough skin
- Open sores that won't heal
- A mole or skin growth that has changed in its shape, color, or size
- A mole or new growth that has the "A-B-C-D-Es" of melanoma:
  Asymmetrical - the shape is not regular
  Border - the edge is jagged
  Color - the color is uneven
  Diameter - the size is larger than a pea
  Evolving - the mole or growth has changed in the past few weeks or months
- Blistering skin, which may be a sign of pemphigus, an autoimmune disease
A provider will clean the site and give you an injection (shot) to numb your skin so you won't feel any pain.
For a punch biopsy:
- A provider uses a special tool with a hollow, round blade. The blade is placed over the abnormal skin area (lesion) and rotated to remove a small piece of skin about the size of a pencil eraser.
- The sample is lifted out with another tool.
- If a larger skin sample is taken, you may need one or two stitches to close the wound.
- Pressure will be applied to the wound until the bleeding stops.
- The wound will be covered with a bandage.
A punch biopsy is often used to diagnose rashes.
For a shave biopsy:
- A provider will use a razor or a scalpel to remove a sample from the top layer of your skin.
- To help stop the bleeding, pressure will be applied to the wound, or medicine may be spread over the wound.
- The wound will be covered with a bandage.
A shave biopsy is often used if your provider thinks you may have basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or if you have a rash appears to affect only the top layer of your skin.
For an excisional biopsy:
- A doctor will use a scalpel to remove the entire skin lesion, usually with some normal skin around it called "a margin." If the skin lesion is large, your provider may remove only a piece of it. This is called an incisional biopsy.
- The doctor will close the wound with stitches.
- Pressure will be applied to wound until the bleeding stops.
- The wound will be covered with a bandage.
An excisional biopsy is often used if your provider thinks you may have melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. It may also be used for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.
After the biopsy, keep the area covered with a bandage until you've healed or until your stitches come out. If you had stitches, they will be taken out 3-14 days after the biopsy.
1. Skin Biopsy: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information [accessed on Oct 05, 2022]
2. Skin lesion biopsy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Dec 20, 2018]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (14)

Punch Biopsy

Empty pilar cyst removed from the scalp of a woman through a small punch biopsy hole through the scalp.

Image by Northerncedar (talk)

Hyperkeratosis

Low magnification micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus. Skin biopsy.

Image by Nephron

Lichen simplex chronicus

Very low magnification micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus, abbreviated LSC. H&E stain. Skin biopsy.Features:

Image by Nephron

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Very high magnification micrograph of confluent epidermal necrosis. Skin biopsy. H&E stain.

Image by Nephron

Under a medium magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the appearance of the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

Kaposi sarcoma, is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic endothelium caused by the Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), i.e., Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and arises from a cancer of the lymphatic endotheial lining. It is characterized by bluish-red cutaneous nodules. Kaposi’s sarcoma is thought of as an opportunistic infection, affecting patients whose immune systems have been compromised, as in the case of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Image by CDC/ Dr. Peter Drotman

Under a low magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the normal appearance of the most superficial epidermal layer on the far left, which was overlying the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

Kaposi sarcoma, is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic endothelium caused by the Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), i.e., Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and arises from a cancer of the lymphatic endotheial lining. It is characterized by bluish-red cutaneous nodules. Kaposi’s sarcoma is thought of as an opportunistic infection, affecting patients whose immune systems have been compromised, as in the case of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Image by CDC/Dr. Peter Drotman

This photomicrograph of a skin biopsy reveals some cytoarchitectural signs that are indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma.

The dermis contains a dense cellular infiltrate, and narrow slit-like vascular spaces that are characteristic in these KS lesions. KS is a cancer that is common in those who’ve developed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or an AIDS infection.

Image by CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

Under medium magnification, this micrograph of a skin biopsy shows the cytoarchitectural changes found in Kaposi's sarcoma.

Note the thinning of the skin layers, most appreciably the dermis, which is reduced in thickness, and flattened due to the presence of a cellular subdermal infiltrate.

Image by CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

Image by BruceBlaus

Having a punch biopsy

Video by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube

Biopsy - What You Need To Know

Video by Rehealthify/YouTube

Study examines accuracy of melanoma biopsy findings

Video by UW Medicine/YouTube

What happens to your biopsy?

Video by Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube

Skin Biopsy for Skin Cancer

Video by Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner/YouTube

Punch Biopsy

Northerncedar (talk)

Hyperkeratosis

Nephron

Lichen simplex chronicus

Nephron

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Nephron

Under a medium magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the appearance of the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

CDC/ Dr. Peter Drotman

Under a low magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the normal appearance of the most superficial epidermal layer on the far left, which was overlying the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

CDC/Dr. Peter Drotman

This photomicrograph of a skin biopsy reveals some cytoarchitectural signs that are indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma.

CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

Under medium magnification, this micrograph of a skin biopsy shows the cytoarchitectural changes found in Kaposi's sarcoma.

CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

BruceBlaus

1:36

Having a punch biopsy

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube

0:47

Biopsy - What You Need To Know

Rehealthify/YouTube

3:13

Study examines accuracy of melanoma biopsy findings

UW Medicine/YouTube

3:26

What happens to your biopsy?

Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube

0:26

Skin Biopsy for Skin Cancer

Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner/YouTube

Multigated Acquisition Scan

Multigated Acquisition Scan

Also called: MUGA Scan, Multiple gated acquisition, Radionuclide angiography (RNA), Equilibrium radionuclide angiogram, Gated blood pool scan, Blood pool scan

A multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses a radioactive tracer and a special camera to take pictures of the heart as it pumps blood. The test measures how well the heart pumps with every heartbeat.

Multigated Acquisition Scan

Also called: MUGA Scan, Multiple gated acquisition, Radionuclide angiography (RNA), Equilibrium radionuclide angiogram, Gated blood pool scan, Blood pool scan

A multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses a radioactive tracer and a special camera to take pictures of the heart as it pumps blood. The test measures how well the heart pumps with every heartbeat.

{"label":"LVEF reference range","scale":"lin","step":1,"items":[{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"SR","long":"Severely reduced","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":30},"text":"An abnormal result may mean you have a blockage in an artery, poor pumping function, heart valve disease, or another disorder. The lower the ejection fraction, the weaker your heart\u2019s pumping action is.","conditions":["Heart failure","Heart valve disease","Dysfunction of the heart\u2019s pumping mechanism","Ventricles not pumping at the same time (desynchrony)","Artery blockage","Left ventricular systolic dysfunction","Heart muscle damage","Coronary artery disease","Myocardial infarction","Mild to severe heart failure or heart attack risk","Damage from chemotherapy"]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"MR","long":"Moderately reduced","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":30,"max":40},"text":"An abnormal result may mean you have a blockage in an artery, poor pumping function, heart valve disease, or another disorder. The lower the ejection fraction, the weaker your heart\u2019s pumping action is.","conditions":["Heart failure","Heart valve disease","Dysfunction of the heart\u2019s pumping mechanism","Ventricles not pumping at the same time (desynchrony)","Artery blockage","Left ventricular systolic dysfunction","Heart muscle damage","Coronary artery disease","Myocardial infarction","Mild to severe heart failure or heart attack risk","Damage from chemotherapy"]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"MR","long":"Mildly reduced","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":40,"max":50},"text":"An abnormal result may mean you have a blockage in an artery, poor pumping function, heart valve disease, or another disorder. The lower the ejection fraction, the weaker your heart\u2019s pumping action is.","conditions":["Heart valve disease","Dysfunction of the heart\u2019s pumping mechanism","Ventricles not pumping at the same time (desynchrony)","Artery blockage","Left ventricular systolic dysfunction","Heart muscle damage","Coronary artery disease","Myocardial infarction","Mild to severe heart failure or heart attack risk","Damage from chemotherapy"]},{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"N","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":50,"max":75},"text":"Ejection fraction in a healthy heart is 50% to 75%. This means that with each heartbeat \u2014 when your heart fills with blood and contracts \u2014 it pumps out 50% to 75% of the total amount of blood it contains.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"H","long":"High","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":75,"max":100},"text":"An abnormal result above 75 percent may indicate an issue with your heart.","conditions":["Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy"]}],"units":[{"printSymbol":"%","code":"%","name":"percent"}],"hideunits":false,"value":62}[{"abnormal":2},{"abnormal":1},{"abnormal":0},{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
%
30
40
50
75
Your result is Normal.
Ejection fraction in a healthy heart is 50% to 75%. This means that with each heartbeat — when your heart fills with blood and contracts — it pumps out 50% to 75% of the total amount of blood it contains.
Related conditions
- Two injections will be given to you through your vein. The first (which contains phosphate) prepares the blood for testing. Fifteen to twenty minutes later, a small amount of radioactive material (radionuclide technetium 99m) will be injected. during your stay or in the hospital.
- You will be asked to lie on a flat, imaging table.
- Electrodes will be placed on your chest, and a special camera will be positioned over your chest. As the camera takes pictures of your heart, you will be asked to stay still and breathe normally.
- If an exercise study is planned, you will lie flat on the imaging table while your feet are slipped into bicycle pedals. Shoulder supports will help position you, as well. When the camera is placed over your chest, you will be asked to begin pedaling. A doctor or nurse practitioner will be present for this part of the test. Every 2 minutes, pedaling will become a little harder, but you must try to keep a steady pace. When you reach the hardest level (the last few minutes), a 2- to 3-minute picture of your heart will be taken. This picture is the reason for the test, so if you need to stop pedaling, please tell the staff member present at least 2 minutes before you stop.
- The test lasts about 1 hour. If exercise is done, it will take about 2 hours.
If you have questions about the procedure, ask your nurse or your doctor. Report any symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or light-headedness.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, or pajamas with pants. A shirt or gown that opens in the front is also helpful. (This allows electrodes to be placed on your chest.) Women may wear a bra. If exercise is planned, wear well-fitting exercise shoes.
- If you are having only a rest MUGA, you may eat a light breakfast.
- If an exercise muga is also scheduled, do not eat breakfast.
- If you are diabetic, do not take insulin or oral hypoglycemics the morning of your test. Bring your insulin and other medications you will need, as well as your glucometer, to the test.
- You will want to feel your best before this test, so if you have been short of breath, bring light-headed, tired, or have had chest discomfort, tell your nurse.
- Bring medications (including inhalers) you may need during your stay or in the hospital.
1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sudden-cardiac-arrest [accessed on Dec 18, 2019]
2. Radionuclide Ventriculography or Radionuclide Angiography (MUGA Scan) | American Heart Association [accessed on Dec 11, 2018]
3. Multigated Acquisition Scan (MUGA) | Cleveland Clinic [accessed on Dec 11, 2018]
4. MUGA Scan: MUGA Test Procedure | NorthShore [accessed on Dec 11, 2018]
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/muga-scan#results [accessed on Dec 11, 2018]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Treatment

Mittens to keep your hands warm

Image by Free-Photos/Pixabay

Mittens to keep your hands warm

Protect yourself from cold temperatures with warm clothing

Image by Free-Photos/Pixabay

How Might Cryoglobulinemia Be Treated?

The treatment for cryoglobinemia depends on the cause and severity of this condition. Avoiding cold temperatures may be enough to treat mild cases. Severe cases may be treated by taking medication to reduce the body's immune response (corticosteroids), by removing some of the blood and replacing it with fluid or donated blood (a process called plasmapheresis), or by specifically treating diseases that may cause cryoglobulinemia (such as hepatitis C).

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (2)

Prednisone: The Double-Edged Sword

It really is a wonder drug for my Crohn's Disease, however the side effects are truly horrific: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prednisone#Side-effects

Image by jsrcyclist

Platelet apheresis

These pictures were taken by me with my cellphone camera. I was the blood donor. The apheresis machine before use. The nurse opened a kit. The blood will be contained and separated inside the kit without touching anything else. The round object at the center is the centrifuge (shaped like a bell). The nurse installs the tubing. The platelet collector bag (right) and the glass bottle of en:anticoagulant (left). In this case, they used a blood bag without a small disc-shaped white cell filter. The machine in operation. The green light on the far left indicates everything is normal. The nurse removed the kit from the machine.

Image by Toytoy

Prednisone: The Double-Edged Sword

jsrcyclist

Platelet apheresis

Toytoy

Prognosis

Vasculitis - What research is being done to better understand these syndromes?

Image by Hg6996

Vasculitis - What research is being done to better understand these syndromes?

Vasculitis -Severe vasculitis of the major vessels, displayed on FDG-PET/CT

Image by Hg6996

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Cryoglobulinemia?

Cryoglobulinemia is usually not deadly. The outcome usually depends on the disease causing cryoglobulinemia as well as each person's response to treatments. The outcome is not as good when a person's kidneys are affected.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Statistics

How Common in Cryoglobulinemia?

Cryoglobulinemia is estimated to affect 1 in 100,000 individuals.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Related HealthJournals

Vasculitis

Vasculitis, also called angiitis, is an inflammation of the blood vessels. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is a rare disorder where blood vessels narrow in the fingers and toes when a person is cold or stressed. When this happens, blood can't get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. Learn more about treatments, which may include drugs to keep the blood vessels open.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Over 2000 tests are available. Genetic testing may be done for many reasons, from newborn baby screening to diagnosing certain diseases. Read about why you might consider testing.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling provides support to people who have, or may be at risk for, genetic disorders. There are many reasons to seek genetic counseling. Learn more about these reasons and what to expect.

Genetic Disorders

A mutation in a person's genes can cause a medical condition called a genetic disorder. Learn more about the types of genetic disorders and how they're diagnosed.

Inheriting Genetic Conditions

Some diseases are caused by mutations that are inherited from the parents and are present in an individual at birth. Concerned about passing on a genetic disorder? Explore a list of questions and answers related to inheriting genetic conditions.

Vascular Diseases

Your vascular system is made up of blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. Learn about vascular diseases and their treatments.

Plasma Cell Neoplasms

A plasma cell neoplasm (PCN) is cancer that begins in plasma cells, white blood cells that produce antibodies. Multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and plasmacytoma are types of plasma cell neoplasms. Learn about the different types, risk factors and treatment options.

Share and discuss

Share your story, discuss an issue or get
advice from the community

Create conversation

Sign up here for full access to StoryMD

Get free access to in-depth articles and track your personal health.

Create Free Account Sign In

Share with others

Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.

Cryoglobulinemia

Cryoglobulinemia is caused by abnormal proteins in the blood called cryoglobulins. At cold temperatures, these proteins become solid or gel-like, which can block blood vessels and cause a variety of health problems, like breathing problems, fatigue, joint pain, and skin ulcers. Learn more about cryoglobulinemia and its treatment.

Copy Link