Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström: characterization of circulating immune complexes.

Circulating immune complexes were detected in the sera of 7 patients with hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström by the following methods: KgB-SP, mRF-LIA, Cc test, ClqBA. Analytical ultracentrifugation showed intermediate complexes between 7S and 19S (16S-19S); simple immunodiffusion of the complexes, purified by 2.5% PEG precipitation, revealed the presence of IgG3, IgA, IgM, Clq, C3 and C4. Constant high titers of rheumatoid activity in the sera in toto and after purification, and normal serum complement levels were also detected.