Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cryoglobulinemia classification
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Cryoglobulinemia is classically grouped into three types according to the Brouet classification. These are type 1, type 2 and type 3.
Classification
Classification
Cryoglobulinemia is classically grouped into three types according to the Brouet classification.[1]
| Types of cryoglobulinemia | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Associated diseases | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 |
|
|
| |
Type I
- Type I is is a monoclonal immunoglobulin and is most commonly encountered in patients with a plasma cell dyscrasia such as multiple myeloma or Waldenström macroglobulinemia.[2]
- It can lead to a glomerulopathy that is distinct from light chain disease in amyloidosis.
Type II
- Type II is essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and the cryoglobulins are a polyclonal IgG and a momoclonal IgM rheumatoid factor directed against IgG.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), HIV and Hepatitis B have been implicated but the majority is due to Hepatitis C (HCV).
Type III
- Type III is also a mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) where both the IgG and IgM are polyclonal.
- It is seen in various autoimmune disorders and lymphoreticular disease as well as hepatitis C in almost 50%.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Feham Tariq, MD [2]