[Manifestations mimicking relapsing polychondritis in a patient with microscopic polyangiitis]

Nihon Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi. 2005 Apr;28(2):104-8. doi: 10.2177/jsci.28.104.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic disorder characterized by inflammation of small vessels mainly affecting the kidneys and lungs. We describe a 72-year-old woman who developed multiple cartilage involvements as well as major manifestations of MPA. The left ear biopsy demonstrated cartilaginous inflammation and small vessel vasculitis. She also had conjunctivitis, hearing impairment, interstitial lung disease, glomerulonephritis with vasculitis and mononeuritis multiplex. Serological examinations revealed a positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR-3 ANCA). Cyclophosphamide and oral corticosteroid therapy was instituted and remission achieved. Due to lacks of nasal and bronchial involvements, as well as the evidence of auricular vasculitis, we concluded that her findings mimicking relapsing polychondritis developed as systemic manifestations of MPA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / analysis
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / etiology*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / pathology
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Vasculitis / complications*
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisolone