A Cryopyrin disorder, found in Northern Europeans. Cryopyrin triggers an IL-1 dominated inflammatory response, and is coded for by the Cold-Induced Autoinflammatory Syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene, also known as the NLRP3, NALP3 or PYPAF1 gene.

Attacks of periodic fever are very brief eg 1-2 days – apart from fever, an urticarial rash is sometimes seen, limb pain/arthralgia occurs. Abdominal pain and arthritis occur rarely. Sensorineural hearing loss is characteristic.

Amyloidosis affects 25%, which is high cf other periodic syndromes.

Diagnosis is by genetics.

Steroids are often used but benefit is inconsistent; interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist Anakinra shows promise.

Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) is a similar condition, also related to Cryopyrins. Cold induced obviously, but without the deafness, and amyloidosis is rare.

NOMID/CINCA are also related – the names say it all: Neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disorder, and chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome. Papilloedema and uveitis potentially leading to blindness occur; there is epiphyseal bone formation; hepatosplenomegaly; and a chronic meningitis with deafness. There is no known treatment, sadly.