Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with headache and kidney involvement at presentation and with arthralgia at relapse:A case report

BACKGROUND Patients with proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis(AAV)experience different manifestations at the initial onset and relapse.However,such cases of different initial and relapse manifestations have not been reported in myeloperoxidase(MPO)-AAV patients.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of headache.Laboratory findings indicated nephrotic range proteinuria and microscopic hematuria,serum creatinine of 243μmol/L,anti-MPO antibody titer of>400 RU/mL,and positive perinuclearantineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody.Renal biopsy showed pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis.The cerebrospinal fluid examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging did not show any abnormality.Therefore,MPO-AAV was diagnosed.Corticosteroids,plasmapheresis,and cyclophosphamide as induction therapy and mycophenolate mofetil(MMF)as maintenance therapy were administered.The patient’s headache disappeared;serum creatinine returned to normal;complete remission of microscopic hematuria and proteinuria was observed.Anti-MPO antibody titer reached normal limits after immunosuppressive treatment.Twenty-five months after stopping the immunosuppressive treatment,the patient relapsed with arthralgia,without neurological or renal involvement.The patient’s arthralgia improved after treatment with prednisone and MMF.CONCLUSION We have reported a rare case of MPO-AAV who initially presented with headache and kidney involvement.However,relapse presented with only arthralgia,which was completely different from the initial manifestations.This case suggests that AAV relapse should be highly suspected in MPO-AAV patients after remission,when clinical manifestations at relapse are different from those at onset.Prednisone and MMF may provide a good choice for refractory arthralgia during relapse in MPO-AAV patients.

The role of mycophenolate in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

Mycophenolic acid, the active metabolite for mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolic sodium, is a strong, noncompetitive, reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, the key enzyme in de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides leading to selective inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. Mycophenolic acid has been evaluated as induction and remission maintenance agent in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Since the course of disease of AAV usually requires long term immunosuppression, mycophenolate has been explored as a less toxic agent compared to cyclophosphamide and azathioprine. Mycophenolate is a potent immunosuppressive agent in the therapy of AAV, non-inferior to other available drugs with comparable side effect profile. Therefore, it could be a valuable alternative in cases of toxicity with life threatening side effects or intolerance to cyclophosphamide or azathioprine, in cases with high cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide, but also in cases with insufficient response. Several studies have shown a higher relapse rate following discontinuation of mycophenolate or in mycophenolate treated subjects that raises concerns about its usefulness in the treatment of AAV. This review describes the efficacy of mycophenolate in AAV as remission induction agent, as remission maintenance agent, and as therapeutic option in relapsing AAV disease, the relapse rate following discontinuation of mycophenolate, and the adverse events related to mycophenolate treatment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis overlap syndrome in a 77-year-old man: A case report

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyassociated vasculitis(AAV)are classically thought to cause renal impairment and small vessel vasculitis with different pathophysiologies.Their overlap constitutes a rare rheumatologic disease.To date,only dozens of such cases with biopsyproven glomerulonephritis have been reported worldwide typically in women of childbearing age.Here,we present a unique clinical case due to its rarity and individualized treatment of a Chinese man in his eighth decade of life.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old man was admitted to several hospitals for shortness of breath and received nonspecific treatments over the past 3 years.As his symptoms were not completely relieved,he visited our hospital for further treatment.Laboratory examinations revealed kidney dysfunction,severe anaemia,hypocomplementemia,glomerular proteinuria,and microscopic haematuria.Antinuclear antibodies,as well as anti-dsDNA antibodies,were positive.Computed tomography of the chest showed right pleural effusion.Renal biopsy was performed,and histology suggested crescentic glomerulonephritis,pauci-immune type.After treatment with plasmapheresis,glucocorticoid,and cyclophosphamide,the disease was in remission,and the patient remained in a stable condition for over 3 years post-hospital discharge.CONCLUSION Due to its complexity and rarity,SLE and AAV overlap syndrome is easily misdiagnosed.An accurate diagnosis and treatment at the earliest stage may significantly improve the condition and reduce irreversible organ injury.

Risk factors for renal outcomes in children with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis:a nationwide retrospective study in China

Background Pediatric antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis(AAV)is a life-threatening systemic vasculitis featured by liability to renal involvement.However,there are few studies on the risk factors and predictive models for renal outcomes of AAV in children.Methods Data from 179 AAV children in multiple centers between January 2012 and March 2020 were collected retrospectively.The risk factors and predictive model of end-stage renal disease(ESRD)in AAV were explored.Results Renal involvement was the most typical manifestation(95.5%),and the crescent was the predominant pathological lesion(84.9%).The estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)was evaluated in 114 patients,of whom 59.6%developed ESRD,and the median time to ESRD was 3.20 months.The eGFR[P=0.006,odds ratio(OR)=0.955,95%confidence interval(CI)=0.924–0.987]and the percentages of global glomerulosclerosis(pGGS;P=0.018,OR=1.060,95%CI=1.010–1.112)were independent risk factors for ESRD of renal biopsy.Based on the pGGS and eGFR at renal biopsy,we developed three risk grades of ESRD and one predictive model.The Kaplan‒Meier curve indicated that renal outcomes were significantly different in different risk grades(P<0.001).Compared with serum creatinine at baseline,the predictive model had higher accuracy(0.86 versus 0.58,P<0.001)and a lower coefficient of variation(0.07 versus 0.92)in external validation.Conclusions Renal involvement is the most common manifestation of pediatric AAV in China,of which more than half deteriorates into ESRD.The predictive model based on eGFR at renal biopsy and the pGGS may be stable and accurate in speculating the risk of ESRD in AAV children.

Animal models for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis:Are current models good enough?

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody(ANCA)-associated vasculitis(AAV)is a rare and severe systemic autoimmune disease characterized by pauci-immune necrotizing inflammation of small blood vessels.AAV involves multiple organ systems throughout the body.Our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AAV has increased considerably in recent years,involving cellular,molecular and genetic factors.Because of the controlled environment with no other confounding factors,animal models are beneficial for studying the mechanistic details of disease development and for providing novel therapeutic targets with fewer toxic side effects.However,the complexity and heterogeneity of AAV make it very difficult to establish a single animal model that can fully represent the entire clinical spectrum found in patients.The aim of this review is to overview the current status of animal models for AAV,outline the pros and cons of methods,and propose potential directions for future research.

Dynamically changing antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in granulomatosis with polyangiitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Granulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA)is one of the most prevalent forms of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)-associated vasculitis.GPA is characterized histologically by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in addition to vasculitis.The diagnosis of GPA depends on clinical presentation,serological evidence of a positive ANCA,and/or histological evidence of necrotizing vasculitis or granulomatous destructive parenchymal inflammation.Cytoplasmic ANCA(c-ANCA)is positive in 65%-75% of GPA patients,accompanied by proteinase 3(PR3),the main target antigen of c-ANCA,another 5% of GPA patients had negative ANCA.CASE SUMMARY The patient,a 52-year-old male,presented with unexplained nasal congestion,tinnitus,and hearing loss.After a duration of 4 months experiencing these symptoms,the patient subsequently developed fever and headache.The imaging examination revealed the presence of bilateral auricular mastoiditis and partial paranasal sinusitis,and the ANCA results were negative.The anti-infective therapy proved to be ineffective,but the patient's symptoms and fever were quickly relieved after 1 wk of treatment with methylprednisolone 40 mg once a day.However,after continuous use of methylprednisolone tablets for 3 months,the patient experienced a recurrence of fever accompanied by right-sided migraine,positive c-ANCA and PR3,and increased total protein in cerebrospinal fluid.The and cyclophosphamide 0.8 g monthly,the patient experienced alleviation of fever and headache.Additionally,the ANCA levels became negative and there has been no recurrence.CONCLUSION For GPA patients with negative ANCA,there is a potential for early missed diagnosis.The integration of histopathological results and multidisciplinary communication plays a crucial role in facilitating ANCA-negative GPA.

Olfactory dysfunction in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyassociated vasculitides: A review of the literature

Olfactory dysfunction(OD)has been described in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides(AAV),but the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood.The causes of altered smell function can generally be divided into conductive,sensorineural or others.To date no specific treatment is available for AAV-related OD and the efficacy of currently available options has not been explored.The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the causes that may lead to OD in patients with AAV.Current available treatments for OD and possible options in patients with AAV presenting with smell impairment are also mentioned.

rare type of pancreatitis as the first presentation ofanti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis

A pancreatic tumor was suspected on the abdominal ultrasound of a 72-year-old man. Abdominal computed tomography showed pancreatic enlargement as well as a diffuse, poorly enhanced area in the pancreas; endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. Based on the trend of improvement of the pancreatic enlargement, the treatment plan involved follow-up examinations. Later, he was hospitalized with an alveolar hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis; he tested positive for myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA) and was diagnosed with ANCArelated vasculitis, specifically microscopic polyangiitis. It appears that factors such as thrombus formation caused by the vasculitis in the early stages of ANCArelated vasculitis cause abnormal distribution of the pancreatic blood flow, resulting in non-uniform pancreatitis. Pancreatic lesions in ANCA-related vasculitis are very rare. Only a few cases have been reported previously. Therefore, we report our case and a review of the literature.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies crescentic allograft glomerulonephritis after sofosbuvir therapy

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies(ANCA) are well known to be associated with several types of vasculitis, including pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, a form of rapid progressive glomerular nephritis(RPGN). ANCA vasculitis has also been reported after administration of propylthiouracil, hydralazine, cocaine(adulterated with levimasole), allopurinol, penicillamine and few other drugs. All previously reported cases of drug-associated ANCA glomerulonephritis were in native kidneys. Sofosbuvir is a new and effective drug for hepatitis C virus infection. Here, we report a case of ANCA vasculitis and RPGN following sofosbuvir administration in a kidney transplant recipient. It also represents the first case of drug-associated ANCA vasculitis in a transplanted kidney. Further drug monitoring is necessary to elucidate the degree of association and possible causal effect of sofosbuvir and perinuclear ANCA vasculitis.

Oral cyclophosphamide-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with ANCA-associated vasculitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome(PRES)manifests many neurological symptoms with typical features on neuroimaging studies and has various risk factors.Cyclophosphamide is one of the therapeutic agents for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)-associated vasculitis.Cyclophosphamide as the sole cause of PRES has been reported in only a few cases.Herein,we report a unique case of early-onset oral cyclophosphamide-induced PRES in a patient with ANCA-associated vasculitis.CASE SUMMARY A 73-year-old man was transferred to our hospital for sepsis due to acute cholangitis.He had already received hemodialysis for two weeks due to septic acute kidney injury.His azotemia was not improved after sepsis resolved and perinuclear-ANCA was positive.Kidney biopsy showed crescentic glomerulonephritis.Alveolar hemorrhage was observed on bronchoscopy.He was initially treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and plasma exchange for one week.And then,two days after adding oral cyclophosphamide,the patient developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures.We diagnosed PRES by Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and electroencephalography.Seizures were controlled with fosphenytoin 750 mg.Cyclophosphamide was suspected to be the cause of PRES and withdrawal.His mentality was recovered after seven days and brain MRI showed normal state after two weeks.CONCLUSION The present case shows the possibility of PRES induction due to short-term use of oral cyclophosphamide therapy.Physicians should carefully monitor neurologic symptoms after oral cyclophosphamide administration in elderly patients with underlying diseases like sepsis,renal failure and ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Propylthiouracil induced anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with bone marrow plasmacytosis and granulocytopenia

Antithyroid drugs are molecules known as thionamides that inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis by interfering with thyroid peroxidase mediated iodination of tyrosine residues in thyroglobulin. These extensively used drugs are associated with a variety of well-known side effects such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody （ANCA）-positive vasculitis, granulocytopenia and aplastic anemia. Recently, an atypical hematological finding -- bone marrow plasmacytosis, related to the use of methimazole -- was reported twice in English literatures, but bone marrow plasmacytosis with the use of propylthiouracil （PTU） has hardly been reported so far. Herein we present a case of a patient with Graves＇ disease who was initially investigated for plasma cell dyscrasia but finally diagnosed as PTU-induced bone marrow plasmacytosis with granulocytopenia and ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Relapsing polychondritis with p-ANCA associated vasculitis: Which triggers the other?

Relapsing polychondritis(RP) is a rare autoimmune disease with chronic inflammatory/destructive lesions of the cartilaginous tissues. In one third of the cases it is associated with other autoimmune disorders, mostly with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA) associated vasculitis(AAV). We report three cases of RP with p-ANCA positive AAV. In the first patient RP developed 1.5 years after the onset of AAV. In the others the signs of RP were present before the onset of severe crescent glomerulonephritis. Patients responded well on steroid and cyclophosphamide. In dialysis dependent cases plasmapheresis was also used successfully. During the 2 and 1.5 years of follow up, they were symptom-free, and had stable glomerular filtration rate. The first patient died after four years of follow-up due to the complications of sudden unset pancytopenia,which raises the possibility of associated hemophagocytic syndrome. In the setting of RP or AAV physicians should always be aware of the possibility of sudden or insidious appearance of the other disease.

Renal Amyloidosis Secondary to ANCA-Associated Vasculitis:A Case Report

Renal amyloidosis secondary to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)-associated vasculitis is extremely rare.Here,we reported a 77-year-old woman with ANCA-associated vasculitis.Renal biopsy with Masson trichrome staining showed pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis,and electron microscopy showed amyloid deposition in the mesangial area.Immunofluorescence revealed kappa light chain and lambda light chain negative.Bone marrow biopsy revealed no clonal plasma cell.Finally,she was diagnosed as ANCA-associated vasculitis with secondary renal amyloid A amyloidosis.

从“五脏痹”理论探析抗中性粒细胞胞质抗体相关性血管炎的病机及治疗

抗中性粒细胞胞质抗体(ANCA)相关性血管炎在临床上较为少见,其症状常随损伤部位不同而表现各异,本病多累及肺、肾、消化、心血管等系统,其表现同中医“五脏痹”证候相似。本文以ANCA相关性血管炎的多脏器受累与中医“五脏痹”症候的相关性为基,根据各脏临床表现不同分别从“肺痹、肾痹、脾痹、肝痹、心痹”论治,体现了中医“以五脏为中心”的理论特点,并为ANCA相关性血管炎的中医诊疗提供新的辨证思路和诊疗依据。

以周围神经病为首发症状的抗中性粒细胞胞浆抗体相关性血管炎的临床特点

目的探讨以周围神经病为首发症状的抗中性粒细胞胞浆抗体(ANCA)相关性血管炎(AAV)的临床特征,为临床诊治提供思路。方法总结2017年至2021年在中南大学湘雅医院就诊的6例以周围神经病为首发症状的AAV患者的临床资料。结果6例均为中老年男性,首发症状主要为肢体麻木、疼痛、无力。除神经系统受累外,部分患者伴有上呼吸道、肺部、肾脏、眼睛、耳、皮肤及全身关节受累,EMG提示多发性周围神经损害;5例患者pANCA、MPO阳性,1例患者cANCA、PR3阳性;经糖皮质激素和环磷酰胺治疗后,临床症状及实验室指标均有不同程度的改善。结论以周围神经病变为首发症状的AAV临床表现缺乏特异性,AAV的早期诊断和治疗可以改善患者生活质量和预后。

误诊为肺结核瘤的ANCA相关性血管炎临床分析

目的探讨抗中性粒细胞胞质抗体(ANCA)相关性血管炎的误诊原因及防范措施。方法回顾分析1例曾误诊的ANCA相关性血管炎的临床资料。结果本例因下肢红疹伴溃疡入院。曾行“鼻窦炎”手术,术前筛查发现肺部肿物行“肺部肿物切除术”,术后病理示肺结核瘤,抗结核治疗无效。入院后结合患者多系统受累表现及实验室、肾穿刺病理检查等诊断为ANCA相关性血管炎,给予糖皮质激素及调节免疫等治疗,症状缓解。结论ANCA相关性血管炎临床表现多样且不典型,易误诊。临床中应对疑似病例尽早行相关医技检查。

血清同型半胱氨酸与胱抑素C联合检测对ANCA相关性肾损伤的诊断价值

目的 研究抗中性粒细胞胞浆抗体(antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, ANCA)相关性血管炎(ANCA-associated vasculitis, AAV)相关性肾损伤患者血清中同型半胱氨酸(HCY)与胱抑素C(Cys-C)的水平,探讨血清HCY和Cys-C联合检测对ANCA相关性肾损伤的诊断价值。方法 选取本院2016年1月—2019年1月肾内科收治的70例ANCA阳性合并肾损伤的患者,另选择同期前来就诊的48例ANCA阳性但并未合并肾损伤的患者(单纯ANCA阳性组)和50例体检的健康者(对照组)。比较各组检测结果并确定各检测指标对ANCA阳性合并肾损伤的受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线的曲线下面积(AUC),计算HCY、Cys-C联合检测对ANCA相关性肾损伤的相关性及诊断价值。结果 ANCA阳性合并肾损伤组、单纯ANCA阳性组与对照组中血清HCY、Cys-C水平差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);各组HCY、Cys-C的阳性率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。HCY、Cys-C联合诊断对ANCA阳性相关性肾损伤的诊断灵敏度、特异度高于上述指标单独检测,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);ROC曲线结果显示,HCY联合Cys-C对ANCA阳性合并相关性肾损伤的患者具有较好的诊断价值和较高的相关性。结论 HCY与Cys-C联合检测与AAV相关性肾损伤密切相关,联合检测对ANCA阳性相关性肾损伤患者的诊断有积极作用,对患者治疗具有指导价值。

抗中性粒细胞胞质抗体相关性血管炎病人血小板增多的临床意义

目的:分析抗中性粒细胞胞质抗体相关性血管炎(AAV)病人周围血中血小板增多的临床意义。方法:分析110例AAV病人临床与相关实验室资料,根据入院后首次周围血小板计数结果分为血小板正常组(n=67例)和血小板增多组(n=43例),对比2组病人的临床及相关实验检查数据,定期随访了解病人的生存情况。结果:单因素分析发现,2组性别、年龄、周围白细胞计数、中性粒细胞计数、淋巴细胞计数,血清补体C3水平,红细胞沉降率、血清C反应蛋白差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05~P<0.01)。logistic回归分析发现性别、周围血白细胞计数、中性粒细胞计数是影响AAV病人合并血小板增多的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。血小板增多组强化治疗使用率相较于血小板正常组显著升高(P<0.05)。2组病人死亡率差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论:AAV病人周围血小板增多时的病情较重,预后较差,应积极干预,通过早诊断、早治疗来改善预后。

Collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease(ILD) is an important mani-festation of collagen vascular diseases. It is a common feature of scleroderma, and also occurs in dermatomyositis and polymyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. When present, it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thus making early diagnosis important. In fact, in many patients, ILD may be the first manifestation of a collagen vascular disease. The most common symptoms are cough and dyspnea. The diagnosis is made based on pulmonary function tests showing restrictive lung disease and impaired oxygen diffusion and chest imaging showing ground glass infiltrates, interstitial thickening, and/or fibrosis. The most common histologic finding on lung biopsy is non-specific interstitial pneumonia, though organizing pneumonia and usual interstitial pneumonia may also be seen. Treatment is focused on addressing the underlying collagen vascular disease with immunosuppression, either with corticosteroids or a steroid-sparing agent such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate, although the optimal agent and duration of therapy is not known. There are few clinical trials to guide therapy that focus specifically on the progression of ILD. The exception is in the case of scleroderma-associated ILD, where cyclophosphamide has been shown to be effective.

超小剂量利妥昔单抗治疗ANCA相关性血管炎一例

本文报道一例肺、肾受累的抗中性粒细胞胞浆抗体(antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, ANCA)相关性血管炎患者,给予经典的糖皮质激素、环磷酰胺、血浆置换诱导缓解治疗有效。该患者在使用硫唑嘌呤维持治疗期间共出现2次感染,后换用超小剂量(100 mg/次)利妥昔单抗维持治疗病情稳定。个体化利妥昔单抗治疗ANCA相关性血管炎效果显著,同时避免了过度免疫抑制,减轻了患者的经济负担。本例患者的诊疗经验有助于提高临床医生在ANCA相关性血管炎维持治疗方面的认识。