Prompt plasmapheresis successfully rescue pulmonary-renal syndrome caused by ANCA-negative microscopic polyangiitis

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Dec;28(12):1457-60. doi: 10.1007/s10067-009-1264-2. Epub 2009 Aug 28.

Abstract

Pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-negative microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is relatively rare, and the effects of plasmapheresis on these patients remain unclear. Here, we report the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with fever, acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia, and sudden onset of diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. Prompt plasmapheresis and concurrent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone effectively rescued his pulmonary-renal syndrome. The patient was then diagnosed with MPA on the basis of typical histological findings and the absence of surrogate markers of Wegener's granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome. This case demonstrates the therapeutic effects of plasmapheresis on ANCA-negative MPA and highlights the necessity of prompt plasmapheresis for not only resolving pulmonary hemorrhage but also increasing the likelihood of renal function restoration in patients with PRS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / etiology
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / etiology
  • Lung Diseases / therapy*
  • Male
  • Microscopic Polyangiitis / blood
  • Microscopic Polyangiitis / complications
  • Microscopic Polyangiitis / therapy*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone
  • Mycophenolic Acid