New Subtype of ANCA-associated Vasculitis Proposed by Researchers in China

Patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis whose autoantibodies are against the myeloperoxidase protein (MPO) have increased disease activity at diagnosis but milder kidney manifestations than other vasculitis patients. Based on findings from a retrospective analysis, a research team in China proposes that these patients should be considered a unique subtype of…

Tracheobronchial stenosis, a lung complication characterized by the narrowing of the trachea and bronchi, is common in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and is often the first disease symptom, researchers have found. However, despite its frequent occurrence, there are no standardized treatment protocols for this serious complication. More prospective…

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients often experience eye involvement, suggesting an ophthalmologist is necessary for proper disease management and better outcomes, according to Egyptian researchers. Their study, “Relationship of ocular presentation in granulomatosis with polyangiitis to autoantibodies and disease activity,” was published in the journal Zeitschrift für…

Interstitial pneumonia may trigger the production of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and lead to a kind of vasculitis called microscopic polyangiitis, a case report shows. The finding suggests that interstitial pulmonary fibrosis may be a cause, rather than a consequence, of ANCA-associated vasculitis. The study, “Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia…

Treatment with immunosuppressants does not improve kidney function, but is associated with reduced risk of vasculitis relapse in a rare subset of patients with ANCA vasculitis (AAV), a new study reports. The research, “Patient Outcomes in Renal-Limited Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis With Inactive Histology,” was published…

Mexican researchers reported for the first time a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) who experienced extensive, widespread gastrointestinal symptoms as the main manifestation of relapsing disease. The case was reported in the study, “Extensive Gastrointestinal Manifestations as the Main Relapsing Disease in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis,” published…

Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis using an immunosuppressive therapy may be at risk of late-onset pneumonia caused by opportunistic Pneumocystis jirovecii infection, a new study suggests. The study, “Late-onset Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis,” was published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology. ANCA-associated vasculitis, or AAV, is characterized…

Microscopic polyangiitis with kidney manifestations, a subtype of ANCA-associated vasculitis, can develop in women after a pregnancy, a case report from Japan suggests. The study, “Microscopic polyangiitis necrotizing glomerulonephritis associated with pregnancy: case with a 20-year clinical course and review of the literature,” appeared in the journal…

A noninvasive and simple ultrasound test might be a new tool to help predict artery damage and increased risk of cardiovascular events in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), according to researchers. Their study, “Endothelial dysfunction…

Researchers reported the case of a patient who developed suspected ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in the ear followed by hearing loss after taking propylthiouracil, a thyroid medication for Graves’ disease. While the medicine has been widely linked with AAV in other studies, its ability to cause otitis and hearing loss is…