A 5-year prospective follow-up study in essential cryofibrinogenemia patients

Autoimmun Rev. 2011 Jul;10(9):559-62. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.04.009. Epub 2011 Apr 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Cryofibrinogenemia may be essential, or secondary to diseases such as neoplasia, infection, thrombosis, and collagen vascular diseases. In a previous study, we reported the occurrence of neoplasia in some essential cryofibrinogenemia patients after a short period of follow-up.

Purpose: We performed a prospective multi-center 5-year follow-up study in essential cryofibrinogenemia patients (2005-2009).

Results: 23 patients with essential cryofibrinogenemia were included, mean age 59 years (range: 33-79), 14 males. After a mean follow-up period of 24 months, 11/23 (47%) of cases that were initially diagnosed as essential cryofibrinogenemia were found to have an underlying lymphoma (6 T lymphoma and 5 B lymphoma).

Conclusion: This prospective study suggests that some cases of cryofibrinogenemia that are initially considered as essential, may have underlying lymphoma. Thus, we further suggest that regular follow-up should be performed in patients with essential cryofibrinogenemia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cryoglobulinemia / diagnosis
  • Cryoglobulinemia / epidemiology
  • Cryoglobulinemia / etiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Prospective Studies

Supplementary concepts

  • Cryofibrinogenemia