Narrowing of Respiratory Airways a Common, Serious Complication of GPA, Study Shows

GPA Often Affects Eye, Requiring Care from Ophthalmologist, Study Suggests

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 Lung Disease May Trigger Microscopic Polyangiitis in Some Patients, Case Report Suggests

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…

Study Reports First Case of GPA Involving Entire Gastrointestinal Tract

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…

Immunosuppressive Treatment of ANCA Vasculitis May Increase Patients’ Risk of Late-onset Pneumonia

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 Can Develop After Pregnancy, Case Report Suggests

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…