Iorio L, Pizzi M, Cecchin D, Davanzo F, Ghirardello A, Dei Tos AP, Doria A, Padoan R. Cutting-Edge Strategies for Renal Tumour-like Lesions in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Systematic Review.
Diagnostics (Basel) 2024;
14:566. [PMID:
38473038 DOI:
10.3390/diagnostics14050566]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterised by granulomatous inflammation and small-to-medium vessel necrotising vasculitis, mainly affecting respiratory tract and kidneys. Renal involvement presenting as tumour-like lesions poses diagnostic and treatment challenges.
METHODS
Following the observation of a GPA patient presenting with multiple renal tumour-like lesions, we conducted a systematic literature review on MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Data gathered from the literature were analysed to summarise the diagnostic approach, management, and outcome of renal GPA-related tumour-like lesions.
RESULTS
a 49-year-old female presented with persistent constitutional symptoms and multiple bilateral renal lesions. Renal biopsy showed chronic interstitial inflammation with necrotising granulomas. Laboratory tests disclosed positive anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) leading to a final diagnosis of GPA. She was effectively treated with high-dose glucocorticoids and rituximab. Literature search yielded 41 articles, concerning 42 GPA patients with renal masses, presenting bilaterally in 23.8% of the cases. Positive PR3-ANCA was observed in 86.5% of the cases. Half of 42 patients showed kidney abnormalities. Treatment with glucocorticoids (83.3%) and immunosuppressive agents (80.9%) resulted in an overall good remission rate and favourable prognosis.
CONCLUSIONS
GPA should be considered in the differential diagnoses of kidney tumour-like lesions. The diagnosis is challenging, and histological examination greatly contributes to the diagnostic work-up.
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