Cryoglobulinemiahas been the focus of considerable attention in recent years because it has become apparent that cryoproteins may provoke symptoms more frequently than previously recognized. A number of good reviews on the subject have appeared in the literature during the last 15 years.1-7 Cryoglobulins are serum proteins which reversibly precipitate from blood during cooling. Although most commonly found in association with multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia, they are encountered in lymphomatous and various connective tissue disorders. The protein abnormality has been referred to as secondary cryoglobulinemia when it occurs in combination with such disorders. In the absence of associated disease the term essential cryoglobulinemia is often used. Meltzer et al7have described a group of essential cryoglobulinemic patients having purpura, weakness, arthralgias, and in some instances, acute renal failure secondary to diffuse glomerulonephitis. In both the secondary and essential groups, the cold precipitating protein is usually characterized