Vasculitis mimics: cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions

Am J Med Sci. 2013 Nov;346(5):430-1. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3182972014.

Abstract

It has been recognized that nasal cocaine abuse can induce midline destructive lesions that can mimic different disorders, including small-vessel vasculitis. The authors reported 2 cases of patients referred to the rheumatology clinic with a previous diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis), presenting with chronic perforation in the palate, refractory to immunosuppressant therapy. In both patients, laboratory investigation revealed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity. A differential diagnosis between cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions and granulomatosis with polyangiitis is also difficult to establish because of the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in both disorders. Given the high prevalence of cocaine use, awareness of this mimic is essential to avoid a misdiagnosis and the use of unnecessary and potential toxic therapies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / chemically induced*
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / diagnosis*
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palate / pathology
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Failure
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Cocaine
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • Midline granulomatosis