How I diagnose and manage VEXAS syndrome

Objectives: To discuss VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, including the clinical and pathologic features, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options.

Methods: A case-based approach and pertinent literature review were used to highlight the features of VEXAS syndrome, describe how to make the diagnosis, and discuss available therapies.

Results: VEXAS syndrome is an adult-onset, progressive systemic inflammatory disorder with overlapping rheumatologic and hematologic manifestations, including an increased risk of myelodysplastic neoplasms and plasma cell neoplasms. The disorder is associated with a somatic mutation of the X-linked UBA1 gene involved in ubiquitylation, typically involving p.Met41; however, rare variations have been identified outside this region. Patients often present with complex histories and see physicians from multiple specialties before receiving the diagnosis, which is often delayed. Symptoms are related to inflammation as well as cytopenias, particularly macrocytic anemia. Characteristic cytoplasmic vacuoles are present in myeloid (granulocytic, monocytic) and erythroid precursors in the vast majority of cases.

Conclusions: Either clinicians or pathologists may suspect a diagnosis of VEXAS syndrome depending on the clinical presentation and bone marrow findings. More studies are needed to determine the best therapeutic options, which are currently limited.