A Case of Hepatitis C Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemia Syndrome

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus that preferentially infects hepatocytes and is transmitted through infected blood contact. Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious life-threatening conditions like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Additionally, it can result in extrahepatic conditions including lymphoproliferative disease and mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis occurs as a result of immune system dysfunction leading to immunoglobulin deposits into different blood vessels in the body. The main manifestations commonly seen are purpura, weakness, arthralgias. Other symptoms include peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, vasculitic skin ulcers, liver, and renal involvement. This case highlights a 57-year-old male with a medical history of substance use disorder, bilateral lower extremity ulcers, and chronic hepatitis C infection who presented with complaints of bilateral lower extremity wounds, abdominal distension, and scrotal swelling. Our patient was confirmed to have new-onset cirrhotic liver secondary to intravenous drug use, with worsening renal function. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of mixed cryoglobulinemia secondary to hepatitis C virus.