Cryoglobulin-Associated Retinal Vasculitis: Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Purpose: To highlight clinical and imaging features of 5 patients diagnosed with retinal vasculitis and cryoglobulins. Methods: This retrospective case series describes clinical and angiographic features of retinal vasculitis and serum cryoglobulins and is the most extensive series to our knowledge. Results: Five female patients were diagnosed with retinal vasculitis and serum cryoglobulins. The average age at time of cryoglobulin identification was 46 years (range, 28-72 years), although retinal vasculitis had been present for various durations. Fluorescein angiograms demonstrated large-vessel and small-vessel segmental leakage in 3 patients, only large-vessel segmental leakage in 1 patient, and only small-vessel segmental leakage in 1 patient. Treatment included topical steroids, intraocular steroid injections, oral corticosteroids, oral antimetabolites, and biologic therapy. At the time of this report, 4 of 5 patients had persistent angiographic leakage; however, none had retinal vascular occlusions. Conclusions: Various treatments were efficacious, although resolution was difficult. No patient experienced retinal vascular occlusions or other types of end-organ compromise.