Feature | Type I (monoclonal) | Type II (mixed) | Type III (mixed) |
---|---|---|---|
Frequency | 25% | 25% | 50% |
Cryoglobulin composition | Monoclonal IgM (sometimes IgG, IgA) | Combination of monoclonal (usually IgM) and polyclonal (usually IgG) | Polyclonal immunoglobulins IgG and IgM |
Common causes | Lymphoproliferative diseases, multiple myeloma and Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia | Hepatitis C virus infection | Hepatitis C virus infection, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis |
Primary manifestations | Hyperviscosity ± thrombosis | Immune complex mediated vasculitis with multi-organ involvement |