RESUMEN

RESUMEN La poliangitis microscópica es una vasculitis sistémica, asociada a la positividad de anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos, caracterizada por el compromiso necrosante de los vasos de pequeño calibre. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la poliangitis microscópica son variadas y las formas más severas se manifiestan con glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva y capilaritis pulmonar. El compromiso nervioso afecta principalmente el sistema periférico. La afectación a nivel central no es común, y hallazgos clínicos de psicosis y alteración del comportamiento son bastante infrecuentes en el contexto de estas enfermedades autoinmunes.

A B S T R A C T Microscopic polyangiitis is a systemic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, and is associated with the necrotising small calibre vessels. Its clinical manifestations are varied, and the most severe forms manifest with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis. In the nervous system, it mainly involves the peripheral system. Involvement of the central nervous system is not common, and clinical findings of psychosis and behaviour alterations are infrequent.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Antiphospholipid syndrome is frequently associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. However, coexistence with primary vasculitis has been poorly reported. The case is presented of a 67-year-old patient with a history of recurrent abortion and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism who was admitted due to haemopty sis. At the initial evaluation, a massive alveolar haemorrhage and glomerulonephritis were diagnosed. The results of the antibodies were positive for ANCA with P-type pattern, anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies, and antiphospholipid antibodies (anti-β2 IgG glycoprotein 1 and lupus anticoagulant). Diagnosis of ANCA positive vasculitis-type microscopic polyangiitis was made in association with antiphospholipid syndrome. Given the clinical context, it was decided to initiate intravenous methylprednisolone in pulses for 3 consecutive days, fol lowed by oral prednisone, and as maintenance therapy, rituximab and anticoagulation with warfarin were instituted. The clinical evolution of the patient was satisfactory, with symp tom control being achieved, as well as a significant improvement of renal and pulmonary function, with a decrease in the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS).

RESUMEN El síndrome antifosfolípido se asocia frecuentemente con lupus eritematoso sistémico y otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Sin embargo, la coexistencia con vasculitis primaria ha sido poco reportada. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 67 arios de edad con historia de aborto recurrente y tromboembolismo pulmonar crónico, quien es admitida para estudio de hemoptisis. A la evaluación inicial se diagnosticó una hemorragia alveolar masiva y glomerulonefritis. El resultado de los anticuerpos fue positivo para anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) con patrón tipo perinuclear, anticuerpos anti-mieloperoxidasa y anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (anti (32 glicoproteína 1 IgG y anticoagulante lúpico), configurándose el diagnóstico de vasculitis asociada a ANCA de tipo poliangitis microscópica en asociación con síndrome antifosfolípido. Dado el contexto clínico, se decidió iniciar metilprednisolona intravenosa en pulsos por 3 días consecutivos, seguida de prednisona oral, y como terapia de mantenimiento se instauró rituximab y anticoagulación con warfarina. La evolución clínica de la paciente fue satisfactoria, alcanzando control de síntomas e importante mejoría de la función renal y pulmonar, con disminución del score BVAS.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The patient was a 56-year-old man with microscopic polyangiitis and symmetrical peripheral polyneuropathy of the extremities who was positive for p-ANCA, EMG pattern of mononeuritis multiplex and skin biopsy showing the presence of nonspecific vasculitis. He had phlebectasia with plethora and tortuous vessels on dorsum of the fingers on both hands, paresis and hypoesthesia of fingers and toes with functional limitations. The administration of prednisone, azathioprine and a cyclophosphamide pulse achieved rapid improvement in the general symptoms, but the changes in the neuropathy occurred very slowly. After 47 months of treatment, he had mild phlebectasia in fingers and slight hypoesthesia in hands and feet, with normal laboratory tests. Phlebectasia was probably the result of an autonomic dysfunction due to vasculitis of the vasa nervorum and could be a sign to look for in similar cases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

La poliangeítis microscópica (PAM) es una vasculitis autoinmune caracterizada por la inflamación de los vasos sanguíneos de pequeño calibre y la presencia de anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA). Clínicamente se caracteriza por presentar glomerulonefritis y capilaritis pulmonar aunque la afectación de la piel, los nervios y el tracto gastrointestinal no es infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 17 años con manifestaciones atípicas dadas por glomerulonefritis pauci-inmune, hemorragia pulmonar, vasculitis leucocitoclásica cutánea y hemorragia cerebral. Además revisamos las características histológicas y radiológicas.

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is an autoimmune antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated (ANCA) small-vessel vasculitis. It is clinically characterized by glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis, however, skin, nerve and gastrointestinal tract involvement is also relatively common. A case is presented in a 17-year-old male patient with atypical manifestations, such as, pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, alveolar hemorrhage, cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis and cerebral hemorrhage. MPA histologic and radiologic features were also reviewed.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with renal involvement are associated with high morbi-mortality. In this study we analyse if the prognosis of these diseases have improved in recent years, and which factors influence the outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective single-centre observational study, which included all patients diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis with renal involvement in the last 25 years. Demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of prognostic interest were recorded. The differences between four chronological periods were analysed, along with the determinants of a poor outcome (death or end-stage renal disease). RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included (mean age 64±15 years). Sixty-four patients (72%) had microscopic polyangiitis and 25 (28%) granulomatosis with polyangiitis. During the study period, 37 (42%) patients died. Through Cox regression analysis, the best determinants of mortality were the initial glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.911; P=.003), Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.513; P<.0001) and tobacco smoking (HR 1.816; P=.003). 35% developed end-stage renal disease, and the best determinants (by competing-risk regression) were: initial glomerular filtration rate (sub-hazard ratio [SHR]: 0.791; P<.0001), proteinuria (SHR: 1.313; P<.0001), and smoking status (SHR: 1.848; P=.023). No differences were found in patients' mortality or renal survival between the different study periods. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies vasculitis with renal involvement treated with conventional immunosuppressive therapy remains unsatisfactory, and continues to have increased long-term complications and mortality.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Abstract Case Description: A 16 year-old female who presented with initial ear, nose and throat manifestations who later progressed to severe renal disease, requiring hemodialysis after 11 months of unique laryngeal involvement. Clinical Findings: Unilateral vocal cord paralysis without other symptoms or signs, but with positive perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and anti-myeloperoxidase autoantibodies, followed an unfavorable course months later with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Renal biopsy confirmed an ANCA-associated vasculitis. She was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis. Treatment and Outcome: High-dose glucocorticoids, intravenous cyclophosphamide, plasma exchange and finally, hemodialysis and renal transplantation. Clinical Relevance: In contrast to granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener), ear, nose and throat manifestations in microscopic polyangiitis are uncommon, while involvement of the lungs and kidneys are usual. We present a case with an isolated rare involvement, which progressed to severe disease. This atypical case warns about laryngeal symptoms as initial manifestation of an anti-myeloperoxidase positive systemic vasculitides, and emphasizes the relevance of close observation when unexplained isolated conditions with accompanying evidence of autoimmunity, in this case high levels of specific autoantibodies, are present.

Resumen Descripción del caso: Una mujer de 16 años se presentó inicialmente con manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas y posteriormente progresó hacia enfermedad renal grave, requiriendo hemodiálisis después de 11 meses de tener exclusivamente afección laríngea. Hallazgos clínicos: parálisis de cuerda vocal unilateral sin otros síntomas ni signos, pero con autoanticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo (ANCA) con patrón perinuclear y especificidad contra mieloperoxidasa, siguiendo un curso desfavorable meses después con desarrollo de glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva. La biopsia renal confirmó una vasculitis asociada con ANCA (VAA). Se diagnosticó entonces como poliangitis microscópica. Tratamiento y desenlace: Glucocorticoides a dosis altas, ciclofosfamida endovenosa, recambio plasmático y finalmente, hemodiálisis y transplante renal. Relevancia clínica: en contraste con la granulomatosis con poliangitis (Wegener), las manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas en poliangitis microscópica son poco comunes, mientras que la afección pulmonar y renal es común. Presentamos un caso con afección inusual aislaea, que progresó a enfermedad grave. Este caso atípico enfatiza sobre los síntomas laríngeos como manifestación inicial de una vasculitis antimieloperoxidasa positiva, y subraya la relevancia de una estrecha observación cuando condiciones aisladas inexplicables, que como en este caso se acompañan de evidencia de autoinmunidad manifestado por presencia de niveles altos de autoanticuerpos, se presentan para su atención.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are chronic autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and destruction of small vessels. Rituximab is now licensed for use as a remission-induction agent in the treatment of these disorders. During recent years, several non-controlled studies have suggested that rituximab may be of value in maintaining disease remission in AAV. In these series, 3 techniques have been tried: "watch-and-wait", repeated cycles in fixed intervals, or administration based on proposed biomarkers. More importantly, the results of the MAINRITSAN trial showed that this anti-CD20 agent is superior to azathioprine for preventing major relapses in AAV. This review summarizes current information regarding the effectiveness, timing, dosing, duration and safety of rituximab as a valid option for remission maintenance.

Asunto(s)