1
|
Santiago MB, Melo BS. Cryofibrinogenemia: What Rheumatologists Should Know. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2022; 18:186-194. [PMID: 35339184 DOI: 10.2174/1573397118666220325110737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cryofibrinogenemia refers to the presence of cryofibrinogen in plasma. This protein has the property of precipitating at lower temperatures. Cryofibrinogenemia is a rare disorder, clinically characterized by skin lesions, such as ulcers, necrosis, livedo reticularis, arthralgia, thrombosis, and limb ischemia. These features are most often observed in rheumatological practice and consist in the differential diagnoses of antiphospholipid syndrome, primary vasculitis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and cryoglobulinemia. Classical histopathological findings include the presence of thrombi within the lumen of blood vessels of the skin without vasculitis. To date, there are no validated classification criteria. Management includes corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, anticoagulants, and fibrinolytic agents. This narrative review aims to make physicians, particularly rheumatologists, aware of existence of this underdiagnosed condition. There are no epidemiological studies evaluating the prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in different rheumatological disorders. Studies are also required to investigate if certain features of rheumatological diseases are related to the presence of cryofibrinogenemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mittermayer B Santiago
- Hospital Santa Izabel, Praça Almeida Couto 500, CEP: 40.000-000, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- Serviços Especializados em Reumatologia da Bahia, Rua Conde Filho, 117, CEP: 40150-150, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Rua Augusto Viana, CEP: 40110-060, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Av. Dom João VI, 275, CEP: 40290-000, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Bartira Souza Melo
- Hospital Santa Izabel, Praça Almeida Couto 500, CEP: 40.000-000, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sudo M, Sakamaki Y, Hosojima M, Yamamoto S, Ito Y, Imai N, Kaneko Y, Goto S, Li CP, Shimizu A, Narita I. Cryofibrinogen-associated glomerulonephritis diagnosed by mass spectrometry and immunoelectron microscopy. HUMAN PATHOLOGY: CASE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ehpc.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
3
|
Sethi S, Yachoui R, Murray DL, Radhakrishnan J, Alexander MP. Cryofibrinogen-Associated Glomerulonephritis. Am J Kidney Dis 2017; 69:302-308. [DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2016.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
4
|
Abstract
Cryofibrinogenemia is a cryoprotein that was first identified in 1955 by Korst and Kratochvil. Unlike cryoglobulin, the precipitate forms only in plasma and not in the serum. The presence of cryofibrinogen in plasma can be asymptomatic. Cryofibrinogenemia is considered a rare disorder: its prevalence varies from 0% to 7% in healthy subjects and from 8% to 13% in hospitalized patients. Nevertheless, cryofibrinogenemia, when a cryopathy is clinically suspected, has been reported in 12% to 51% of patients. Skin manifestations are usually the first signs and are usually moderate; in addition, cold intolerance, Raynaud phenomenon, purpura, or livedo reticularis often occurs. Skin necrosis, acral ulcers, and gangrene can lead to surgery and amputation. Systemic manifestations are common, and arterial or venous thrombotic events are frequent. Cryofibrinogenemia may be primary (essential) or secondary to other underlying disorders, such as carcinoma, infection, vasculitis, collagen disease, or associated with cryoglobulinemia. The histological features of cryofibrinogenemia can confirm the presence of cryofibrinogen within small and medium arteries, plus occlusive thrombotic diathesis composed of eosinophilic refractile deposits within vessel lumina. Cryofibrinogenemia is a treatable and potentially reversible disease.In moderate forms, it can be treated by simply avoiding cold temperatures. The use of corticosteroids in association with low-dose aspirin is the treatment of choice for moderate forms, although stanozolol is an alternative maintenance therapy. Immunosuppressive therapies, plasmapheresis, and/or intravenous fibrinolysis are useful at treating severe forms of cryofibrinogenemia. The use of anticoagulants is limited to the management of thrombotic events. Treatment of secondary cryofibrinogenemia involves the management of associated diseases. Regular follow-ups are needed because of the high risk of recurrence. Moreover, up to half of patients with cryofibrinogenemia considered as essential may develop lymphomas in the following years. Compared with cryoglobulinemia, less is known about cryofibrinogenemia. Its diagnosis should be considered when suggestive clinical manifestations are present and when there are specific biopsy findings. Although identification of cryofibrinogen in blood samples is simple and inexpensive, cryofibrinogenemia can be asymptomatic, and a lack of diagnosis criteria can make diagnosis difficult to confirm. This review describes the clinical manifestations and the biological and pathological features and discusses the criteria used to diagnose and manage cryofibrinogenemia.
Collapse
|
5
|
Delluc A, Saadoun D, Ghillani-Dalbin P, Sene D, Piette JC, Cacoub P. Cryofibrinogen in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. Am J Med 2008; 121:624-31. [PMID: 18589059 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2008.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed cryoglobulin is usually associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and might cause systemic vasculitis. The presence and impact of cryofibrinogen, another cryoprotein, in the serum of HCV-infected patients have not yet been evaluated. The objective was to study the prevalence and the clinical and therapeutic impacts of cryofibrinogen in HCV-infected patients. METHODS A total of 143 consecutive HCV-infected (RNA+) patients (including 57 patients with HCV-related vasculitis) were screened for cryofibrinogen and cryoglobulin (positive if >0.05 g/L). The main characteristics and outcome were evaluated according to the cryofibrinogen/cryoglobulin status at baseline. RESULTS At baseline, 53 of 143 patients (37%) were cryofibrinogen positive, most of whom (47/53 [89%]) were also cryoglobulin positive. Only 37 of 90 cryofibrinogen-negative patients (41%) were cryoglobulin positive (P<.001). In patients with HCV-related vasculitis, 28 of 57 (49%) were cryofibrinogen positive compared with 25 of 86 patients (29%) without vasculitis (P=.03). There was a higher rate of renal involvement in cryofibrinogen-negative/cryoglobulin-positive patients than in cryofibrinogen-positive/cryoglobulin-positive patients (10/25 [40%] vs 3/27 [11%], respectively; P=.02). After a mean follow-up of 32.6 months, among patients who were cryofibrinogen positive at baseline, 12 of 26 (46%) of those who received an HCV treatment were cryofibrinogen negative at the end of follow-up compared with 4 of 16 (25%) of those who did not receive antiviral drugs. Most patients who became cryofibrinogen negative also became cryoglobulin negative (93%). CONCLUSION Cryoproteins, including cryoglobulin and cryofibrinogen, are frequently found in the serum of HCV-infected patients. In such patients, a positive cryofibrinogen status is closely related to the presence of cryoglobulin at baseline and after antiviral therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Delluc
- Service de Médecine Interne, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 6, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yoshida K, Yokoyama T, Toyokawa Y, Yasuda J, Kingetsu I, Kurosaka D, Yamada A. Cryofibrinogenemia associated with Sjögren's syndrome: a case of successful treatment with high-dose corticosteroid. Intern Med 2007; 46:1039-42. [PMID: 17603248 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryofibrinogenemia (CF) has not been often reported as a complication of various rheumatic diseases. We describe a 44-year-old woman with CF associated with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), who developed digital necrotic ulcerations and purpura of the lower legs. Cryoprecipitate was detected in her plasma, and immunoelectrophoresis showed that the cryoprecipitate was cryofibrinogen. Alprostadil was intravenously administered, but the ulceration was aggravated. Subsequently, administration of high-dose prednisolone (PSL) at 60 mg/day was started, and the ulceration remarkably improved. Cryofibrinogen, detected before the administration of high-dose PSL, was negative after PSL. This is the first case presentation of CF associated with SS successfully treated with high-dose corticosteroid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yoshida
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sawada K, Takahashi R, Saniabadi AR, Ohdo M, Shimoyama T. Elevated plasma cryofibrinogen in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease is morbigenous. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:1621-5. [PMID: 16570358 PMCID: PMC4124298 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i10.1621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the role of cryofibrinogen (CF) in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS: CF was assayed in 284 subjects: 61 with active and 63 with inactive ulcerative colitis (UC), 45 who had proctocolectomy, 35 with active and 20 with inactive Crohn's disease (CD), 40 with other diseases and 20 healthy controls. Trypsin inhibitor (TI) and TI antibody (TI-Ab) were measured in plasma and CF complex by ELISA.
RESULTS: CF in active UC was strikingly high compared with all other groups (χ2<0.001). Similarly, CF was significantly higher in active CD than in inactive CD or in controls (χ2<0.01). In UC, high CF and TI-Ab were associated with the need for operations. Further, high CF, CF/fibrinogen ratio, low TI and high TI-Ab in plasma were associated with disease activity or refractoriness to medication. Elevated CF was not associated with acute reactants like C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts except for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, suggesting that elevated CF was not a consequence of acute inflammation.
CONCLUSION: Elevated CF in active IBD appears to be morbigenous. CF promotes IBD via two main mechanisms, quenching of TI (an anti-inflammatory substance) and impairing microvascular perfusion by forming protein aggregates. CF may also serve as a biomarker of chronic IBD. Additional studies are warranted to fully evaluate the role of CF in IBD and the outcome should contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Sawada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujimoto Hospital Medicine, 3-15-27 Konda Habikino, Osaka 583-0857, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Blain H, Cacoub P, Musset L, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Silberstein C, Chosidow O, Godeau P, Frances C, Piette JC. Cryofibrinogenaemia: a study of 49 patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2000; 120:253-60. [PMID: 10792373 PMCID: PMC1905655 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01210.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features and components of 30 patients with isolated cryofibrinogen (CF) versus those of 19 patients with combined CF and cryoglobulins (CG). Secondary forms of cryofibrinogenaemia associated with collagen disorders, infectious or malignant diseases, were significantly more frequent in patients with combined CF and CG than those with isolated CF (79 versus 47%, P = 0.02). Both groups of CF patients presented predominantly cutaneous symptoms (77% in isolated CF; 58% in combined CF + CG), and less frequently venous and/or arterial thrombosis (13% in isolated CF; 3% in combined CF + CG). Patients with idiopathic forms of CF, and particularly those without CG, suffered essentially from recurrent painful skin ulcers, mainly triggered by cold exposure. Patients with isolated CF had higher mean plasma concentrations of CF than those with combined CF + CG (1. 61 +/- 1.26 versus 0.82 +/- 1.18 g/l, respectively; P = 0.004), but there was no correlation between the CF plasma level and either the severity of symptoms or the sensitivity to cold. In patients with isolated CF, fibronectin was suggested (by precipitation analysis) to be a major component of the cryoprecipitate, whereas immunoglobulins were rarely present (in only three out of 30 patients). By contrast, in the majority of patients (78%) with combined CF and CG, the CF consisted mainly of immunoglobulins of the same class as those characterizing the associated CG. Analysis of the CG precipitate revealed the presence of fibronectin but not fibrinogen, alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin. In conclusion, isolated and combined cryofibrinogenaemia are associated with different clinical signs requiring different clinical management, but there is no evidence as yet for a causal role of the cryoprecipitates in the differences observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Blain
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cobcroft RG, Shearer A, Gill DS, Forgan-Smith J. Fluctuating symptomatic cryofibrinogenaemia in a patient with left atrial myxoma. Br J Haematol 1994; 88:213-4. [PMID: 7803249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1994.tb05003.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of left atrial myxoma associated with a fluctuating level of cryofibrinogen. Her initial symptoms and signs were consistent with primary cryofibrinogenaemia, but a repeat episode occurred without the cryofibrinogen being detectable. A more typically embolic cerebro-vascular accident (CVA) occurred, with the subsequent discovery of the patient's myxoma. The cryofibrinogen was again present but it disappeared with resection of the myxoma. We propose that the degree of activation of the coagulation system around the myxoma fluctuated, causing variable conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, so that at times partially cross-linked fibrin(ogen) resulted in cryofibrinogen, but at other times frank emboli from more complete clotting occurred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R G Cobcroft
- Department of Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jantunen E, Soppi E, Neittaanmäki H, Lahtinen R. Essential cryofibrinogenaemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and chronic purpura. J Intern Med 1993; 234:331-3. [PMID: 8354986 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.1993.tb00752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cryofibrinogenaemia refers to the presence of cold-precipitable proteins in plasma but not in serum. It is usually associated with malignancy, thromboembolic diseases or various inflammatory processes; rarely it may be essential. The most common clinical presentations of cryofibrinogenaemia are cold-intolerance, purpura, skin necrosis and ulcers. We describe a middle-aged woman with essential cryofibrinogenaemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and chronic purpura for over 25 years with several exacerbations. In patients with otherwise unexplained purpura or skin necrosis, determination of plasma cryofibrinogen should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Jantunen
- Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kirsner RS, Eaglstein WH, Katz MH, Kerdel FA, Falanga V. Stanozolol causes rapid pain relief and healing of cutaneous ulcers caused by cryofibrinogenemia. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993; 28:71-4. [PMID: 8425973 DOI: 10.1016/0190-9622(93)70012-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous manifestations of cryofibrinogenemia include purpura, ecchymosis, and ulcerations. The histology of these lesions is characterized by intravascular thrombi. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to test the efficacy of stanozolol, a drug capable of fibrinolytic enhancement, in treating cutaneous ulcers caused by cryofibrinogenemia. METHODS Eight patients with cutaneous ulcerations from cryofibrinogenemia were treated with stanozolol. Plasma cryofibrinogen was measured before and during treatment with stanozolol. Histologic evaluation was also performed before treatment and in selected patients during treatment. RESULTS After treatment, seven of the eight patients had healing of their ulcers, prompt reduction in their pain, and improvement in livedo reticularis and purpura. Four of the eight patients had no detectable plasma cryofibrinogen after treatment. In addition, dermal intravascular thrombi resolved. Stanozolol was well tolerated and had minimal side effects. CONCLUSION We conclude that stanozolol is a safe and effective treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of cryofibrinogenemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R S Kirsner
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Falanga V, Kirsner RS, Eaglstein WH, Katz MH, Kerdel FA. Stanozolol in treatment of leg ulcers due to cryofibrinogenaemia. Lancet 1991; 338:347-8. [PMID: 1677702 DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(91)90483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Five consecutive patients with cryofibrinogenaemia in association with painful leg ulcers and intravascular dermal thrombi were treated with stanozolol, an androgenic steroid with fibrinolytic properties. In all patients treatment was followed by rapid and striking pain relief and healing of the ulcers. Cryofibrinogenaemia was not detected on subsequent laboratory evaluation, and dermal intravascular thrombi had resolved on repeat histological examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Falanga
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Florida 33136
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Cryofibrinogenemia refers to the presence of cold-precipitable plasma proteins associated with a variety of disorders, including malignancies, inflammatory processes, and thrombohemorrhagic phenomena. Few cases of essential or primary cryofibrinogenemia are reported. We report a case in a 48-year-old man of essential cryofibrinogenemia and hemorrhagic necrosis of the ears and of the upper and lower extremities. Histopathologic studies demonstrated extensive eosinophilic thrombi in the dermal vasculature, with minimal inflammation and no vasculitis. Cryofibrinogenemia should be considered in the investigation of patients with otherwise unexplained cold intolerance and dermal thrombosis associated with minimal or no inflammation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Lolin Y, Razis PA, O'Gorman P, Hjelm M, Wierzbicki AS. Transient nephrotic syndrome after anaesthesia resulting from a familial cryofibrinogen precipitating at 35 degrees C. J Med Genet 1989; 26:631-6. [PMID: 2585459 PMCID: PMC1015714 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.26.10.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transient nephrotic syndrome, haematuria, and cryofibrinogenuria in a child after anaesthesia were found in association with a plasma cryofibrinogen that precipitated at 35 degrees C. Investigation of the family showed this to be a familial trait probably with dominant inheritance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Lolin
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases, Queen Square, London
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
A variety of musculoskeletal syndromes have been described in association with malignancy. The majority of such descriptions have dealt with the connective tissue disorder as a paraneoplastic syndrome, frequently the presenting feature of an otherwise occult malignancy. This may range from the well known syndrome of HOA, heralding lung cancer, to a lesser known association of pyogenic arthritis due to an unusual enteric pathogen, signaling colon cancer. Conversely, the connective tissue disorder may precede the malignancy, and by virtue of its pathophysiology or its therapy, foster the subsequent development of cancer. Awareness of these associations may lead to earlier cancer detection, and hence, potentially more effective therapy.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Evidence has been presented supporting a causal relationship between malignancies and musculoskeletal syndromes. This discussion has dealt primarily with lesser known relationships, more common associations such as hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and dermatomyositis being reviewed elsewhere. The ones discussed herein closely mimic primary connective tissue diseases and offer an insight into the study of the pathogenesis of these primary diseases. In view of the natural history of malignant disease, the hope for such patients arises from the physicians early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying malignancy. Early diagnosis and treatment may in turn be entirely dependent on the physician's awareness of a musculoskeletal syndrome being the presenting feature of an otherwise occult neoplasm. Several connective tissue syndromes appear to predispose to the development of malignancy, and increasing evidence suggests that this development of malignancy may be further enhanced by immunosuppressive therapy.
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Fyrand O, Solum NO, Kierulf P. Heparin precipitable fraction (HPF) from dermatoligical patients. I. Characterization of the thrombin-clottable protein. Thromb Res 1976; 8:17-29. [PMID: 1251339 DOI: 10.1016/0049-3848(76)90119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
19
|
|