Relationship between HCV infection and Mixed cryoglobulinemia
HCV infection accounts for up to 90% of type II and up to 70% of type III cases.
Overall 30% to 50% of patients with HCV infection have detectable cryoglobulins, but <10% of these patients (or <5% of all patients with HCV infection) develop symptomatic vasculitis.
The prevalence is highest in the Mediterranean area and lower in Northern Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world.
Development of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is associated with the infection duration and generally occurs after 10 years.
