ANCA-associated vasculitis in systemic sclerosis report of 3 cases

Rheumatol Int. 2013 Jan;33(1):139-43. doi: 10.1007/s00296-011-2359-z. Epub 2012 Jan 12.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe the occurrence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. SSc patients who developed biopsy-proven AAV were identified. Their clinical manifestations, autoantibodies, presentation with vasculitis, treatment and outcome were described and compared with previously reported patients with these two conditions. Of 985 patients, 3 were identified. All patients had interstitial lung disease, and all presented with acute renal failure, proteinuria and hematuria, and were P-ANCA- and anti-Scl-70-positive. One required hemodialysis. Two were hypertensive; additionally, one patient had sinusitis, and another had monoarthritis and a macular rash. All were treated with high-dose corticosteroids and responded to therapy and attained remission at 6 months. At 1 year, one patient died of pneumonia. ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare but serious finding in SSc patients. Positive anti-Scl-70 antibody is found commonly in these patients. Different treatment modalities are effective. Serious infections can complicate therapy and lead to death.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / complications*
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / drug therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hematuria / complications
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / complications
  • Middle Aged
  • Proteinuria / complications
  • Remission Induction
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids