Cryoglobulinemia

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A condition characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood. Cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins that precipitate within the microvasculature on exposure to cold; microvasculature effects of cryoglobulinemia may result in restricted tissue blood flow, tissue hypoxia, and tissue necrosis. --2004