Logo American Journal of Case Reports

Call: 1.631.629.4328
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports

03 February 2014 : Case report  Italy

Sudden onset of coma in a 70-year-old woman with cryoglobulinemia

Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Educational Purpose (only if useful for a systematic review or synthesis)

Gennaro PaganoABCDEFG, Klara KomiciBCDEFG, Grazia Daniela FemminellaBD, Claudio de LuciaBD, Marta IannicielloBC, Dario LeoscoBCDEFG, Nicola FerraraDE, Giuseppe RengoBCDEFG

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.889868

Am J Case Rep 2014; 15:56-59

Abstract

Background:  Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-related chronic hepatitis can be associated with mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC). Although several MC cases have been described, the wide variety of symptoms often makes diagnosis challenging.
Case Report: We describe a sudden onset of coma in a 70-year-old woman with an undiagnosed chronic hepatitis C infection related to MC. Head CT did not show any important pathology. Laboratory tests showed leucocytosis, but it was not possible to identify any pathogenic microorganism. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid did not show any pathology. There was a strongly positive test result for rheumatoid factor (409 U/l) and hypocomplementemia (C4 0.04 g/l). Laboratory assay was positive for antibodies against HCV and HCV RNA. The cryoglobulins were positive and after treatment with plasmapheresis her conditions improved.
Conclusions: In this case, the cryoglobulins laboratory exam was very helpful for the diagnosis. This test could be considered in the early management of elderly patients with sudden onset of coma.

Keywords: Plasmapheresis, Plasmapheresis, cryoglobulinemia, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Coma, cryoglobulinemia

Add Comment 0 Comments

839 12

In Press

01 Dec 2023 : Case report  Brazil

Life-Threatening Electrical Storm Following Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

01 Dec 2023 : Case report  Belgium

Innovative Approach to Difficult Airway Management: Utilizing the Cook® Airway Exchange Catheter for Double...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

01 Dec 2023 : Case report  Saudi Arabia

Successful Conservative Therapy for Infected Penile Implants: A Case Series

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

30 Nov 2023 : Case report  Puerto Rico

Scuba Diving-Induced Inner-Ear Pathology: Imaging Findings of Superior Semicircular Canal and Tegmen Tympan...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

Most Viewed Current Articles

06 Dec 2021 : Case report  Brazil

Lipedema Can Be Treated Non-Surgically: A Report of 5 Cases

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406

07 Dec 2021 : Case report  USA

Edwardsiella tarda: A Classic Presentation of a Rare Fatal Infection, with Possible New Background Risk Fac...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934347

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934347

19 Jul 2022 : Case report  Saudi Arabia

Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128

13 Jul 2022 : Case report  USA

Whistling Scrotum: An Unusual Presentation of Pneumomediastinum in the Setting of an Open Scrotal Wound

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936441

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936441

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923