29th January 2024

Diagnosis

Cold-precipitable immunoglobulins or immune complexes and raised rheumatoid factor are characteristic of the condition. The majority of the cases have hypocomplementemia. It is crucial to screen for hepatitis C with associated liver function derangements. Skin or renal biopsy can identify inflammatory vascular changes and renal damage assessed with cryoglobulin deposits of IgG and IgM deposits in the glomeruli. Further tests for underlying causes include WBC, autoimmune antibodies and imaging such as angiography, CT and CXR.