Pulmonary manifestations of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis

Appendicitis as first presentation of aggressive granulomatosis with polyangiitis and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be associated with a wide multiplicity of causes, including diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH). Vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), particularly granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is one of the most common causes of DAH, primarily affecting small and medium-sized vessels in the lungs and kidneys. Diagnosing GPA can be challenging, and it should be considered a potential cause of DAH, even in the absence of other organ involvement. Given the high mortality associated with this condition, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. We present the case of a young patient with severe ARDS who did not show significant alveolar haemorrhage on bronchoscopy or renal involvement but exhibited extensive gastrointestinal involvement and had a predominant laboratory diagnosis of positive cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and proteinase 3 antibodies.

Diagnostic dilemma: drug-induced vasculitis versus systemic vasculitis

Drug-induced vasculitis can rarely cause inflammation and necrosis of blood vessel walls of both kidney and lung tissue. Diagnosis is challenging because of the lack of difference between systemic and drug-induced vasculitis in clinical presentation, immunological workup and pathological findings. Tissue biopsy guides diagnosis and treatment. Pathological findings must be correlated with clinical information to arrive at a presumed diagnosis of drug-induced vasculitis. We present a patient with hydralazine-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-positive vasculitis with a pulmonary-renal syndrome manifesting as pauci-immune glomerulonephritis and alveolar haemorrhage.

Cavitating lung disease is not always due to tuberculosis! Wegener’s granulomatosis with mycetoma with deep vein thrombosis lower limb: Case report with review of literature

Pulmonary tuberculosis is most common cause for bilateral pulmonary cavities with constitutional symptoms in India being endemic and more prevalent nature of disease, irrespective of microscopy or nucleic acid amplification test abnormalities. Pulmonary manifestations of systemic vasculitis have very diverse involvement ranging from nodule, consolidation, and cavitation. In this case report, 49-year female, presented with constitutional symptoms with lung parenchymal consolidations progressed to cavitation’s and started empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment without mycobacterial microscopic or genome documentation in sputum with clinical or radiological worsening. Bronchoscopy workup is inconclusive and tropical screen for bacterial, TB, and malignancy were negative and fungal yield aspergillus colonization. Vasculitis workup done in presence of clinical and radiological worsening documented PR3-ANCA positive with very highly raised titers. We have started on steroids, cyclophosphamide with antifungals and clinical response documented with near complete resolution of shadows in 24 weeks. She had developed DVT (deep vein thrombosis) lower limb during course of illness and documented excellent response to anticoagulation. DVT prophylaxis is must in all cases taking steroids with decreased daily activities to prevent fatal cardiovascular complications.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)-A Multidisciplinary Approach of a Case Report

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an atypical, multisystem disease with unknown etiology that generally affects both genders equally, with a predominance in the Caucasian racial group for individuals in their fourth decade. The disease affects the small vessels of the respiratory system, lungs, and kidneys. ENT manifestations are common, but ocular involvement is also frequent and can occur as an initial harbinger of the disease. The signs and symptoms of the disease are non-pathognomonic and sometimes localized, but it carries a poor prognosis if left untreated. Early diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis can be difficult and is established by a clinical examination along with laboratory tests for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and anatomopathological exam results that showcase necrosis, granulomatous inflammation, and vasculitis. Although the ocular involvement is not life threatening, it can cause blindness and may also be a sign of the active form of this systemic fatal disease. Treatment strategies involving immunosuppression and adjuvant therapies improve the prognosis. In this article we present a rare case of a patient diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis in our ENT department in 2003, with a follow-up for19 years in our clinic.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis: A Review on Management Strategies

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a destructive small vessel vasculitis affecting multiple organs. Renal involvement often leads to end-stage renal disease and increases mortality. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of adequate immunosuppressive therapy are critical for the best patient and kidney outcomes. However, considerable heterogeneity in symptoms and severity across the patients frequently hinder the diagnosis and management. The objective of this review is to emphasize the heterogeneity of the ANCA-associated vasculitis, facilitate the recognition and give guidance to the therapeutical possibilities. We present epidemiologic and risk factors, pathogenesis, and provide comprehensive clinical features of the disease. This article also focuses on the currently available therapeutic options and emerging cellular and molecular targets for the management of systemic and especially renal disease. We conducted extensive literature research published on PubMed and Google Scholar. We systematically reviewed, analyzed, and assembled databases, covering a broad spectrum of aspects of the disease. We compared and summarized the recommendations of two recent guidelines on ANCA-associated vasculitis. The incidence of ANCA-associated vasculitis, hence glomerulonephritis shows a steady increase. Familiarity with the presenting symptoms and laboratory abnormalities are necessary for rapid diagnosis. Early initiation of treatment is the key aspect for favorable patient and renal outcomes. A better understanding of the pathogenesis constantly leads to more targeted and therefore more efficient and less toxic treatment.

A Cavitary Lesion in a Patient with Antineutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Associated Vasculitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Patients with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis who were on immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids may be susceptible to cavitary lesions.¹ Only a few cases have been reported in the literature to date. Immunosuppression was shown to improve prognosis in patients with vasculitis. However, adverse therapy events and the risk of opportunistic infections become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this specific patient population. We present a case of a 75-year-old female who was diagnosed and treated in our hospital for ANCA-associated vasculitis and returned within a few weeks of medical therapy and was found to have developed cavitation concerning for worsening vasculitis or an opportunistic fungal infection or combination of both. Given the risk of severe complications from opportunistic fungal infections, close monitoring and prophylactic antifungal therapy should be considered. Further studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of prophylaxis in this patient population.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With ANCA-Associated Vasculitides in a Colombian Hospital

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides (AAVs) are uncommon systemic autoimmune diseases, of which few reports exist in Latin America. Our aim was to examine AAV evaluated in a high-complexity hospital in southwestern Colombia, with emphasis in severe forms.

METHODS

A medical records review study of 67 patients was performed, and data were collected from electronic registries. Moderate and severe AAVs were defined as the presence of life-threatening complications, unfavorable Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score outcomes, and hospitalization requirements at the time of diagnosis and by the last follow-up, between 2011 and 2019. Clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. The AAV subtypes were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 67 cases were included. The majority were female (n = 44, 65.67%), and the median age was 52 (40-64) years. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was the most frequent with 42 patients (62.68%), followed by microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic GPA, with 15 patients (22.38%) and 10 patients (14.92%), respectively. Forty-four patients (65.67%) presented pulmonary symptoms. The highest Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score corresponded to MPA, with 21 (12-25) points. Fifteen patients (22.4%) were admitted to the intensive care unit throughout the course of the disease, of whom 10 had GPA. The longest stay and duration of mechanical ventilation were seen in MPA. The principal treatments were corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and the main outcome was end-stage renal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of AAV, most of cases corresponded to GPA, and pulmonary manifestations were the most common. Microscopic polyangiitis was the more severe subtype as it showed worse impairment in clinical characteristics and intensive care unit requirements.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis and Interstitial Lung Disease: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Deregulated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation is implicated in various diseases, including ANCA-associated vasculitis and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Lung involvement is frequent in AAV, and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are strongly related to MPO-ANCA positivity and mainly reported in microscopic polyangiitis. The association between AAV and ILD is a strong indicator of poor prognosis and limited survival. Neutrophils, ANCA and NET interplay in PF development in AAV. This study aimed to review the literature concerning the implications of NET in lung fibrogenesis specifically focused on AAV associated with ILD, and the potential of NET as a theranostic marker.

METHODS

Through scoping review methodology, we used a descriptive thematic analysis to understand the pathogenic role of NETs in patients with AAV and pulmonary fibrosis and their further role as a theranostic marker of this disease.

RESULTS

The implications of NET in the pathogenesis of AAV and ILD, as well as an association between these two diseases, have been identified, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still unknown. The pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NET release reduces disease severity in multiple inflammatory disease models, indicating that NETs are potential therapeutic targets. In this regard, despite the lack of clinical data, we may hypothesise that an optimal management of AAV-ILD patients would require not only B-cells targeted therapy, but also NETs inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary findings seem to display a lack of efficacy of traditional immunosuppressants, such as Rituximab, in this subset of patients, while to date no patients suffering from a definite ILD have been enrolled in clinical trials. Further insights would be provided by their employment, as a combination treatment, in common clinical practice. Although we can imagine that the inhibition of NETs in patients with AAV-ILD could reduce severity and mortality, we still lack the scientific basis that could improve our understanding of the disease from a molecular point of view.

Pulmonary involvement of ANCA-associated vasculitis in adult Chinese patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients with pulmonary involvement from a single Chinese cohort.

Methods

Newly diagnosed AAV patients with pulmonary involvement, as defined by CT, were recruited from January 2010 to June 2020. Clinical data and CT images were collected retrospectively. Baseline CTs were evaluated and re-classified into four categories: interstitial lung disease (ILD), airway involvement (AI), alveolar hemorrhage (AH), and pulmonary granuloma (PG).

Results

A total of 719 patients were newly diagnosed with AAV, 366 (50.9%) of whom combined with pulmonary involvement at baseline. Among the AAV cases with pulmonary involvement, 55.7% (204/366) had ILD, 16.7% (61/366) had AI alone, 14.8% (54/366) had PG, and 12.8% (47/366) had AH alone. During follow-up of a median duration of 42.0 months, 66/366 (18.0%) patients died, mainly died from infections. Survival, relapse, and infection were all significantly different based on the radiological features. Specifically, the ILD group tends to have a poor long-term prognosis, the PG group is prone to relapse, and the AI group is apt to infection. The AH group has a high risk of both early infection and relapse, thus a poor short-term prognosis.

Conclusion

AAV patients with diverse radiological features have different clinical characteristics and outcomes. Therefore, the intensity of immunosuppressive therapy must be carefully valued by considering the baseline CT findings among AAV patients with pulmonary involvement.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as Refractory Chronic Cough, Manifesting by Massive Alveolar Haemorrhage - A Rare Case Report

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or Wegener granulomatosis, is a rare systemic vasculitis that can affect any organ. The lungs and kidneys are almost always affected. We present a 36-year-old Saudi man who presented with chronic cough, haemoptysis and intermittent dyspnoea. He had been repeatedly misdiagnosed as having respiratory infection and had received multiple courses of antibiotics with little improvement. He responded dramatically to treatment with corticosteroid pulse therapy, plasmapheresis, and rituximab. There are very few reports of granulomatosis with polyangiitis from Saudi Arabia, and the prevalence of the condition is not known. A high index of suspicion can help avoid delayed diagnosis.

Myeloperoxidase and associated lung disease: Review of the latest developments

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are often detected in association with a variety of lung pathologies, the most common being interstitial lung disease (ILD). A growing cohort of patients are being diagnosed with MPO-ANCA in the context of ILD without ANCA-associated vasculitis. Clinically and radiologically, there is little to differentiate this cohort from MPO-ANCA-negative ILD patients; however, the pathophysiology is likely different and different treatments are likely required. We present here a brief summary of the proposed pathophysiology of MPO-ANCA-positive ILD, and a more detailed review of the latest evidence on management, including monitoring for development of ANCA-associated vasculitis, immunosuppression, anti-fibrotics, and novel agents that have yet to be trialled in human experiments.

Giant Intrathoracic Mass in a Young Woman With Acute Kidney Injury

CASE PRESENTATION

A 35-year-old woman without past medical history sought treatment for fatigue and dry cough of 3 weeks' duration. Basic laboratory tests revealed severe anemia. She had no history of bleeding, hemoptysis, dyspnea, or fever. The patient was admitted for RBC transfusion and more extensive diagnostics.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis without glomerular crescent formation as an underestimated subgroup of renal involvement among microscopic polyangiitis patients: A case report

Although extra-glomerular involvement of microscopic polyangiitis is not regarded as a characteristic finding of the disease, tubulointerstitial nephritis should be considered as a new subclass of renal involvement.

ECMO Rescues Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Related to GPA

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a subtype of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with a wide range of clinical symptoms related to the systemic involvement of small blood vessels. The respiratory system is one of the most frequently involved, and life-threatening acute respiratory failure could occur due to diffusive alveolar hemorrhage and tracheal stenosis. When maximum mechanical ventilation is unable to maintain oxygenation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) should be considered as the final respiratory supportive method, if available. Here we present a 32-year-old male patient with acute respiratory failure (ARF) related to GPA, who was rescued by winning time for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Additionally, we reviewed more than 60 GPA-related ARF cases on multiple online databases, summarized the clinical manifestations of these patients, and concluded that ECMO plays an important role in further respiratory support for ARF patients with GPA and assists in accurate and timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, thus helping them recuperate.

Pulmonary embolism and diffuse alveolar bleeding: combination options and therapy features

The analysis of the mechanisms of the formation of a rare clinical combination of pulmonary embolism (PE) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), which are complications of systemic vasculitis associated with antibodies to the cytoplasm of neutrophils (primarily granulomatosis with polyangiitis), systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary antiphlogistic syndrome primary antiphospholipid syndrome and Goodpastures syndrome. Taking into account the chronological sequence of the occurrence of PE and DAH, 3 variants of the onset of these potentially fatal additions to the underlying disease were considered: the anticipatory DAH development of PE, delayed from DAH PE and joint (within 24 hours) formation of PE and DAH. A review of single descriptions of such a combination of complications of granulomatosis with polyangiitis is carried out, criteria are indicated, a working classification of severity is given and, taking this into account, a modern program of therapy for DAH as an independent event and in combination with PE.

A proposed role of neutrophil extracellular traps and their interplay with fibroblasts in ANCA-associated vasculitis lung fibrosis

ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) comprise three diseases: granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. They are characterised by small vessel inflammation and have a broad range of clinical manifestations and multiorgan involvement which endanger the patient's life. An increasingly recognised complication of AAV, especially in MPA is lung fibrosis, for which no clearcut therapy in this context is available. The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in these diseases has been related to the development of fibrosis, but the precise mechanisms are not fully unravelled. This review provides an overview of some of the important proteins known to compose NETs, and proposes some mechanisms by which these remarkable components may exert an impact on the different fibroblastic phenotypes leading to lung fibrosis.

Alveolar haemorrhage in ANCA-associated vasculitis: Long-term outcome and mortality predictors

INTRODUCTION

Alveolar haemorrhage (AH) is considered an important cause of morbidity and early mortality in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of outcome in patients with AH-AAV and to evaluate outcome and causes of death in this subset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 29 Italian Centers. Clinicians were asked to recruit all patients diagnosed with AAV-associated AH during the last 10 years, from 2007 to 2016. Univariate and multivariable analysis were performed.

RESULTS

One-hundred and six patients were included (median age at onset of 55 years [IQR 42-67]). The majority were ANCA-positive (PR3 57.1%, MPO 33.7%) and 72.6% had also renal involvement. At presentation, anaemia was shown in 97 (92.4%) patients, hemoptysis in 54 (51.9%), respiratory failure in 68 (66.7%), of whom 48 (70.6%), requiring respiratory support. At the end of the 37 months [IQR 13-77] follow-up, 19/106 (17.9%) patients were dead. The main causes of death were active disease and infections. By stepwise regression analysis, age >65 years (HR 3.66 [95% CI 1.4-9.51], p = 0.008) and the need for respiratory support (HR 4.58 [95% CI 1.51-13.87], p = 0.007) at AH onset were confirmed to be predictive of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors of outcome in AAV-AH were determined. Factors related to the patient's performance status and the severity of the lung involvement strongly influenced the outcome. Balancing harms and benefits for the individual patient in induction and maintenance treatment strategies is crucial.

Imbalance of Circulatory T Follicular Helper and T Follicular Regulatory Cells in Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitis (AAV) is characterized by small-vessel inflammation in association with autoantibodies. Balance between T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells is critical for humoral immune responses. Accumulating evidence supports that Tfh and Tfr are involved in autoimmune diseases; however, their roles in AAV are unclear. In this study, we tested the changes of circulatory Tfh and Tfr in patients with AAV. Twenty patients with AAV and twenty healthy controls were enrolled. Sixteen AAV patients had kidney involvement. We found that the AAV patients had increased circulating Tfh cells (CD4⁺CXCR5⁺CD25^-CD127^interm-hi), decreased Tfr cells (CD4⁺CXCR5⁺CD25⁺CD127^lo-interm), and elevated Tfh/Tfr ratios compared with healthy controls (P < 0.01). The Tfh percentage and Tfh/Tfr ratio, but not Tfr percentage, were positively correlated to proteinuria levels and BVAS scores in patients with AAV (P < 0.01). In addition, AAV patients had decreased circulating Tfh1 (CCR6^-CXCR3⁺), but increased Tfh2 cells (CCR6^-CXCR3^-), compared with healthy controls (P < 0.01), indicating a Tfh1-to-Tfh2 shift. Furthermore, remission achieved by immunosuppressive treatment markedly attenuated the increase of total Tfh (P < 0.01) and Tfh2 cells (P < 0.05), promoted the Tfh1 response (P < 0.05), and recovered the balance between Tfh/Tfr cells (P < 0.05) and between Tfh1/Tfh2 cells (P < 0.05) in patients with AAV. Plasma levels of IL-21, a cytokine secreted by Tfh cells, were elevated in AAV patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.01), which was attenuated by immunosuppressive treatment (P < 0.05). Taken together, our findings indicate that circulatory Tfh/Tfr ratios, Tfh2/Tfh1 shift, and plasma IL-21 levels are associated with AAV and disease activity.

Risk of Cancers in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: Results from the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database 2010-2018

The association between antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we searched the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database to obtain data for 2097 AAV patients, and evaluated the risk of cancers in AAV. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of overall and site-specific cancers were estimated in patients with AAV compared to the general population. The overall risk of cancer was significantly higher in patients with AAV (SIR 1.90); this remained true in both males (SIR 1.74) and females (SIR 2.06). For site-specific cancers, the risks of lung (SIR 2.23) and hematological (SIR 11.39) cancers were higher in AAV patients. For males, the risks of gallbladder and hematological cancers were increased, while the risks of bladder and hematological cancers were increased in females. Among AAV subtypes, patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis had the highest risk of cancers, and cyclophosphamide, azathioprine/mizoribine, and methotrexate ever-users had increased risk of overall cancer. The risks of overall and hematological cancers were elevated in AAV patients younger than 60 years old. Patients with AAV have increased risks of overall, lung, and hematological cancers. Distinct patterns of cancer incidence are present according to age, sex, AAV subtypes, and immunosuppressant usage.

Methimazole-Induced Pleural Effusion in the Setting of Graves' Disease

Methimazole is a thionamide drug that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones by blocking the oxidation of iodine in the thyroid gland. We report a case of methimazole-induced recurrent pleural effusion. A 67-year-old female with recently diagnosed Graves' disease on methimazole 20mg daily was admitted with dyspnea and new onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate. Chest X-ray revealed a unilateral right pleural effusion, which was consistent with a transudate on thoracocentesis. She was managed as a case of congestive heart failure and methimazole dose was increased to 30 mg daily. She was readmitted twice with recurrent right pleural effusion. The fluid revealed an exudative process on repeat thoracocentesis. CT scan of the chest with contrast showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and a diffuse ground glass process involving the right lower lobe suggestive of pneumonitis. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed neutrophil predominant fluid, and cytology and adenosine deaminase were negative. Patient also had an endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsy of the lymph nodes (EBUS). She was treated empirically with steroids 40 mg for 10 days and the methimazole was also discontinued. The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) came back positive with a speckled pattern; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) and antimyeloperoxidase were also positive. The effusion resolved but recurred on rechallenge with methimazole. She was referred for urgent thyroidectomy. The patient's repeat chest X-ray showed complete resolution of the pleural effusion after stopping the methimazole. Few weeks later, repeat ANCA and antimyeloperoxidase antibody were both negative. Our case report highlights the importance of the recognition of a rare side effect of methimazole. Timely diagnosis would ensure that appropriate treatment is given.

Extracutaneous involvement of pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis (ND) associated with underlying chronic inflammation and/or malignancy. Diagnosis remains to be challenging as a gold standard diagnostic test is lacking. Initial manifestations may include papules, vesicles, or pustules that subsequently develop into ulceration with features of undermining and violaceous borders. Timely recognition of pyoderma gangrenosum is impeded by clinical findings shared with other etiologies, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, polyarteritis nodosa, and antiphospholipid syndrome. As with any other ND, extracutaneous involvement may also occur preceding, during, or following the appearance of skin lesions. Sterile neutrophilic infiltrates have been found to affect internal organs supporting the concept of PG being a systemic disease, with lung being the most common extracutaneous manifestation followed by ocular and visceral compromise. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge of extracutaneous involvement of PG and its respective clinical manifestations to aid dermatologists in diagnosis, management, and determining prognosis.

Pulmonary Involvement in Systemic Vasculitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this study is to describe the most relevant advances concerning lung involvement in the ANCA-associated vasculitides (excluding eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis which may have different disease mechanisms). Focus is on pathophysiology, recent important imagenological procedures, treatment, and outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Emerging information exists on potential newly investigated diagnostic procedures (v.g. transbronchial cryobiopsies), detailed tomographic abnormalities, the potential favorable role of rituximab and the still uncertain one of plasma exchange in the treatment, and the increasing description of interstitial lung disease. Survival is reduced in case of both, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and diffuse parenchymal disease. There is the need to expand the knowledge concerning better long-term treatment options with specific regimes, and to incorporate other measures regarding integral treatment in patients afflicted with lung involvement these maladies, as the outcome seems adverse in this scenario.

Prognostic Significance of Cavitary Lung Nodules in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's): A Clinical Imaging Study of 225 Patients

OBJECTIVE

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis in which pulmonary nodules are a common manifestation. Our study examined whether pulmonary nodules, and nodule type (solid versus cavitary), are associated with different disease manifestations and outcomes.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, biologic, and radiologic data at diagnosis and during followup and treatments of GPA patients followed at the Mount Sinai Hospital (Canada) Vasculitis Clinic were analyzed. Patients were separated by the absence of lung nodules, presence of solid nodules only, and presence of cavitary nodules (+/- solid nodules). The study outcomes included followup lung imaging, relapses, and deaths.

RESULTS

Of 225 patients with GPA, 46 had solid nodules only and 44 had cavitary nodules at diagnosis. Demographic and clinical manifestations were similar in the patient subgroups at diagnosis. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) was used for induction after diagnosis in 76.7% of patients with cavitary nodules, compared with 64.7% of patients without nodules and 51.1% of patients with solid nodules (P = 0.04). The mean ± SD followup after diagnosis was 106.6 ± 92.6 months, and 6 of the patients died. In multivariable analysis, diagnosis before 2000 or pulmonary nodule cavitation at diagnosis were associated with relapse, with a hazard ratio of 0.38 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.22-0.65; P < 0.001) and 1.53 (95% CI 1.00-2.33; P = 0.05), respectively, after adjustment for CYC use.

CONCLUSION

The presence of cavitary nodules led to increased use of CYC but had no impact on survival. Relapse occurred more often, however, in patients with cavitary nodules than in those with solid nodules or no nodules, and should be studied in other cohorts.

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in Autoimmune Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present paper establishes a narrative and analytical review of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) in ANCA-associated vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and antiphospholipid syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies found a frequent association between DAH and infections and systemic lupus erythematosus and its associated factors. Biological therapies like rituximab have demonstrated benefit mainly in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. Main clinical manifestations of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in these three diseases include dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrates, cough, and hypoxemia. The presence of hemorrhagic bronchoalveolar lavage, hemosiderin containing macrophages, or an increase of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity have been described in some series as helpful findings for the diagnosis. Hemoptysis has been seen mainly in systemic lupus erythematosus. The cornerstone of therapy includes glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, and recent findings in ANCA-associated vasculitis suggest the similar benefit of rituximab. Future evaluations and systematic reviews will help to define the real benefit for therapies that appeared to be controversial at the moment.

Vasculitis for the internist: focus on ANCA-associated vasculitis

Vasculitides comprise several diseases affecting vessels of different sizes, mainly arteries, but also capillaries and veins. Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitides (AAVs) belong to the systemic necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis group that comprises granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Internists often see AAV patients, and although their outcomes are usually good, the disease can be responsible for morbidity and mortality. Herein, after reviewing the literature, we concentrate on selected aspects important for the internist, including classification, diagnostic dilemmas, treatment novelties, and follow-up.

Pulmonary manifestations of rheumatologic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review intends to provide an overview of the diversity and complexity of pulmonary manifestations of rheumatologic diseases and gaps in knowledge to effectively manage them.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diffuse lung disease in children with rheumatologic diseases represents a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders. Despite their significant morbidity and mortality, we have limited understanding about their pathogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology and current management approach of these disorders, highlighting tools which assist with diagnosis, risk stratification and therapy. In this context, we address the need to develop a standardized approach to diagnose at-risk patients with rheumatologic disease and to predict their progression and the need to develop robust studies which evaluate the factors and interventions that influence pulmonary disease outcome.

SUMMARY

Diffuse lung disease in children with rheumatologic diseases represents a heterogeneous group of severe autoimmune disorders. By adopting a collaborative research approach among multicenters to help diagnose, risk stratify, and understand disease progression, effective management decisions can be optimized to improve clinical outcome.

Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis admitted to the intensive care unit with acute vasculitis manifestations: a retrospective and comparative multicentric study

PURPOSE

Data for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients requiring intensive care are scarce.

METHODS

We included 97 consecutive patients with acute AAV manifestations (new onset or relapsing disease), admitted to 18 intensive care units (ICUs) over a 10-year period (2002-2012). A group of 95 consecutive AAV patients with new onset or relapsing disease, admitted to two nephrology departments with acute vasculitis manifestations, constituted the control group.

RESULTS

In the ICU group, patients predominantly showed granulomatosis with polyangiitis and proteinase-3 ANCAs. Compared with the non-ICU group, the ICU group showed comparable Birmingham vasculitis activity score and a higher frequency of heart, central nervous system and lungs involvements. Respiratory assistance, renal replacement therapy and vasopressors were required in 68.0, 56.7 and 26.8% of ICU patients, respectively. All but one patient (99%) received glucocorticoids, 85.6% received cyclophosphamide, and 49.5% had plasma exchanges as remission induction regimens. Fifteen (15.5%) patients died during the ICU stay. The following were significantly associated with ICU mortality in the univariate analysis: the need for respiratory assistance, the use of vasopressors, the occurrence of at least one infection event in ICU, cyclophosphamide treatment, sequential organ failure assessment at admission and simplified acute physiology score II. After adjustment on sequential organ failure assessment or infection, cyclophosphamide was no longer a risk factor for mortality. Despite a higher initial mortality rate of ICU patients within the first hospital stay (p < 0.0001), the long-term mortality of hospital survivors did not differ between ICU and non-ICU groups (18.6 and 20.4%, respectively, p = 0.36). Moreover, we observed no renal survival difference between groups after a 1-year follow-up (82.1 and 80.5%, p = 0.94).

CONCLUSION

This study supports the idea that experiencing an ICU challenge does not impact the long-term prognosis of AAV patients.

Diagnostik granulomatöser Erkrankungen mit Lungenbefall

Granulome als Zeichen der spezifischen Entzündung im Lungengewebe treten bei vielen Erkrankungen auf. Das radiologische Standardverfahren bei pulmonalen Granulomatosen ist meistens die Dünnschichtcomputertomografie. Bei klinischem Verdacht und entsprechenden Hinweisen in der Thoraxübersicht sind eine Dünnschicht-CT und die interdisziplinäre Diskussion der Befunde zu empfehlen.

Myeloperoxidase Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Positive Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Diagnosed by Surgical Lung Biopsy

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare systemic vasculitis that often involves the lung. However, interstitial pneumonia (IP) is rarely seen in GPA patients. We herein report 3 cases of IP associated with GPA diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy. High-resolution CT showed uniform subpleural reticular opacity with traction bronchiectasis. Biopsies from all 3 patients revealed neutrophilic capillaritis, microabscesses with giant cells, and coexisting histological findings of usual IP pattern or fibrosing nonspecific IP pattern. All 3 patients had elevated levels of serum myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA), but not proteinase 3-ANCA. We diagnosed GPA and treated with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. Follow-up CT showed improvement of the lesions in all patients. Surgical lung biopsy specimens which revealed GPA enabled us to conduct the most suitable therapy. This report indicates the importance of surgical lung biopsy for differentiating idiopathic IPs from GPA-associated IP and suggests a relationship between MPO-ANCA and IP in GPA.

[Pulmonary granulomatous diseases and pulmonary manifestations of systemic granulomatous disease : Including tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteriosis]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Granulomas as signs of specific inflammation of the lungs are found in various diseases with pulmonary manifestations and represent an important imaging finding.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

The standard imaging modality for the work-up of granulomatous diseases of the lungs is most often thin-slice computed tomography (CT). There are a few instances, e. g. tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and silicosis, where a chest radiograph still plays an important role.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Further radiological modalities are usually not needed in the routine work-up of granulomatous diseases of the chest. In special cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans play an important role, e. g. detecting cardiac sarcoidosis by cardiac MRI or choline C‑11 PET-CT in diagnosing lung carcinoma in scar tissue after tuberculosis.

PERFORMANCE

The accuracy of thin-slice CT is very high for granulomatous diseases.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In cases of chronic disease and fibrotic interstitial lung disease it is important to perform thin-slice CT in order to diagnose a specific disease pattern. Thin-slice CT is also highly sensitive in detecting disease complications and comorbidities, such as malignancies. Given these indications thin-slice CT is generally accepted in the routine daily practice.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

A thin-slice CT and an interdisciplinary discussion are recommended in many cases with a suspected diagnosis of pulmonary granulomatous disease due to clinical or radiographic findings.

A physician survey reveals differences in management of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by chronic pulmonary hemorrhage and presents with a triad of anemia, hemoptysis and pulmonary infiltrates. IPH is a diagnosis of exclusion with a variable and disparate clinical course. Despite existing therapies, few children achieve full remission while others have recurrent hemorrhage, progressive lung damage, and premature death.

METHODS

We surveyed physicians who care for patients with IPH via a web-based survey to assess the most common practices. 88 providers responded, caring for 274 IPH patients from five continents.

RESULTS

63.3 % of respondents had patients that were initially misdiagnosed with anemia (60.0 %) or gastrointestinal bleed (18.2 %). Respondents varied in diagnostic tools used for evaluation. The key difference was in the use of lung biopsy (51.9 %) for diagnosis. Common medications respondents used for treatment at initial presentation and chronic maintenance therapy were corticosteroids (98.7 and 84.0 %, initial and chronic therapy respectively), hydroxychloroquine (33.3 and 64.0 %), azathioprine (8.0 and 37.3 %), and cyclophosphamide (4.0 and 16.0 %). There was agreement on the use of corticosteroids for exacerbation amongst all respondents. Reported deaths before adulthood occurred in 7.3 % of patients. We conclude that there were common features and specific variations in physician management of IPH. Respondents were divided on whether to perform lung biopsy for diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Despite the availability of various immunomodulators, corticosteroids remained the primary therapy. We speculate that the standardization of care for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage will improve patient outcomes.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis in a patient with Down syndrome

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare disease characterized by dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, and new alveolar infiltrates. Among the various underlying disorders, vasculitis is believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of DAH. Here we report the first case of a patient with Down syndrome who developed DAH secondary to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. This case highlights the significance of vasculitis as well as pulmonary hypoplasia and vulnerability associated with Down syndrome in the development of DAH.

Pulmonary involvements of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated renal vasculitis in Japan

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary involvement is one of the hallmark lesions of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) as well as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). However, the pulmonary involvement of AAV patients seems to differ between Europe and Japan, as does the ANCA serotype.

METHODS

This retrospective and prospective multicenter cohort study collected the clinical data of the features and outcomes of 1772 RPGN patients treated from 1989 to 2007 in Japan. Based on this nationwide RPGN survey, we analyzed the cases of 1147 AAV patients.

RESULTS

We found that 52.3% of the AAV patients had pulmonary involvements: 15.4% of the AAV patients had alveolar hemorrhage (AH), 26.2% had interstitial lung disease (ILD), 2.8% had bronchial asthma, 2.4% had pulmonary granuloma and 12.8% had a chest X-ray abnormality without AH, ILD or pulmonary granuloma. Patient survival was significantly different among the following six groups: the 5-year survival rate was 41.5% in the patients with AH, 50.2% in those with ILD, 67.9% in those with bronchial asthma, 62.5% in those with pulmonary granuloma, 55.8% in those with chest X-ray abnormality and 73.3% in those without pulmonary involvement. AH was one of the predictors of 1- and 5-year mortality for patient survival in AAV, and ILD was added as one of the predictors of 5-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

In these AAV patients, not only AH but also ILD was frequently observed. AH was associated with the prognosis, but ILD was associated with the long-term prognosis of AAV.

Massive alveolar haemorrhage: a rare life threatening complication of Wegener's granulomatosis-report of a rare case

Massive diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is an unusual, frequently life threatening and still treatable complication of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) associated with mortality in more than 66% of cases. DAH is a syndrome that can be a manifestation of variety of disorders. WG, a multisystem necrotising granulomatous vasculitis should always be considered as a possible etiological factor in these patients with or without involvement of other systems, as an early diagnosis and aggressive management with cytotoxic drugs offer best chances of survival in these patients. We report a rare case of 45-year-old woman who presented with massive hemoptysis in accident and emergency department and subsequently diagnosed as WG, and discuss the differential diagnosis and review the literature of this rare complication of WG. Approximately 41 cases have been reported so far of this rare complication.

[The pulmonary-renal syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency for the internist and the intensivist]

The pulmonary-renal syndrome is a rare and life-threatening condition. It is defined as the association of a diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The characteristic histological lesion common to all underlying diseases is a necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis. The pulmonary-renal syndrome is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency: any delay in its management will lead to death or serious functional damage as pulmonary and renal impairment. ANCA-associated vasculitis and Goodpasture's disease are the main disorders associated to pulmonary-renal syndrome. More rarely systemic lupus, cryoglobulinaemia, Henoch-Schonlein purpura or subacute endocarditis may induce a pulmonary-renal syndrome. Differential diagnosis can sometimes be difficult, highlighting some ambiguity in the definition of the syndrome. Initial treatment usually associates systemic corticosteroid, cyclophosphamide and plasma exchange. The role of biotherapy as first line therapy remains to be determined.

Wegener's granulomatosis with pulmonary fungal infection: a case report and brief review

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is an autoimmune, necrotizing granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology that affects small and medium blood vessels, and is usually recurrent. Infection is the most frequent cause of death in patients with WG. A case of WG with pulmonary fungal infection in a 50-year-old man is reported. The patient was hospitalized following a 2-month history of haemoptysis and a 1-month history of intermittent fever. Examination and pathology results confirmed a diagnosis of WG with associated pulmonary fungal infection. The patient's condition was complicated by a septic pneumothorax and sinus formation after lung biopsy, and preexisting diabetes and hypertension, which worsened rapidly due to his critical condition. He was treated with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide therapy with the goal of controlling these complications, and had no recurrence within the 4-year follow-up period. This case demonstrated the utility of combined glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide therapy for the treatment of infection in WG.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in Wegener's granulomatosis

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a life-threatening though rare manifestation of Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG). An active diagnostic workup, intensive observation, and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment are cornerstones of the management. The treatment modalities available for such complications are pulse cyclophosphamide therapy with steroids. We report here a case of WG with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage as the first manifestation of the disease in life that responded to steroids and cyclophosphamide.

Conditions in subjects with rheumatic diseases: pulmonary manifestations of vasculitides

Pulmonary involvement is a common complication of vasculitides, especially small vessel vasculitides. This review provides an overview of vasculitic manifestations of the lung as well as of other organs involved in vasculitides. Furthermore, it provides the diagnostic procedures required to asses a patient with vasculitic lung involvement and gives an overview of current treatment strategies.

Wegener's granulomatosis: an update on diagnosis and therapy

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a unique clinicopathological disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of the respiratory tract, pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis and small-vessel vasculitis. Owing to its wide range of clinical manifestations, WG has a broad spectrum of severity that includes the potential for alveolar hemorrhage or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which are immediately life threatening. WG is associated with the presence of circulating antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (c-ANCAs). The most widely accepted pathogenetic model suggests that c-ANCA-activated cytokine-primed neutrophils induce microvascular damage and a rapid escalation of inflammation with recruitment of mononuclear cells. The diagnosis of WG is made on the basis of typical clinical and radiologic findings, by biopsy of involved organ, the presence of c-ANCA and exclusion of all other small-vessel vasculitis. Currently, a regimen consisting of daily cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids is considered standard therapy. A number of trials have evaluated the efficacy of less-toxic immunosuppressants and antibacterials for treating patients with WG, resulting in the identification of effective alternative regimens to induce or maintain remission in certain subpopulations of patients. Recent investigation has focused on other immunomodulatory agents (e.g., TNF-alpha inhibitors and anti-CD20 antibodies), intravenous immunoglobulins and antithymocyte globulins for treating patients with resistant WG.