Unusual unilateral renal mass with pulmonary multiple nodules as the initial presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Hell J Nucl Med. 2021 May-Aug;24(2):161-162. doi: 10.1967/s002449912359. Epub 2021 Aug 6.

Abstract

We report a case of a 32-year-old man with recurrent fever, cough and left lumbago for more than one month. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules and a tumor-like mass in the left kidney. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) revealed increased uptake in the right pharyngeal recess along with pulmonary and renal hypermetabolic lesions. The pathologic findings of pulmonary and renal specimens were suggestive of granulomatous inflammatory changes. Further laboratory examinations showed an elevated level of serum cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) and serum proteinase 3-ANCA (PR3-ANCA). Clinical symptoms were significantly improved, and the size of pulmonary and renal lesions reduced following the use of steroids and cyclophosphamide together. Therefore, a final diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was made.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / complications
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Pulmonary Nodules*
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18