Dysproteinemic Purpura of the Hypergammaglobulinemic Type

A case of purpura hyperglobulinaemica of Waldenstrom studied by skin immunofluorescence

“…The frequent association of this syndrome with Sjbgren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and polyarthritis (Hambrick, 1958), together with the finding of a positive rheumatoid factor and an immunoglobulin abnormahty, led Waldenstrom (1968) to consider it to be one of the prototype polyclonal hypcrgammaglobulinaemias and to suggest an auto-immune basis for the disease. Capra, Winchester & Kunkel (1971) have shown that antiglobulins are present in the sera of these patients.…”

Purpura with Hypergammaglobulinaemia

“…The laboratory findings of a moderate normocytic anemia, leucopenia, raised sedimentation rate, diffusely raised gammaglobulin and positive latex test are reportedly common findings (Hambrick 1958, Carr & Heisel 1966.…”

Purpura Hyperglobulinemica

“…In favor of this is the altered protein pattern seen on electrophoresis, with its high broad y-peak, resembling that seen in cer¬ tain viral infections, such as lymphogranuloma venereum, but also occurring in chronic hepatic disease and lupus erythema¬ tosus. Waidenstrom also discussed the pos¬ sibility that the abnormalities in globulin production might result in a deficiency of some globulin fraction essential for capil-Submitted for publication May 7,1959 lary endothelial integrity. Another proposal was that certain globulins might have a toxic effect on capillary walls.11 Still others have hypothesized some variation of an al¬ lergic mechanism.…”