Simultaneous presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Leaving an open question: widening the spectrum of a single disease or real overlap?

Mod Rheumatol Case Rep. 2021 Jan;5(1):108-112. doi: 10.1080/24725625.2020.1782028. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Abstract

Because of a similar organ involvement and histopathological features, IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) may mimic some forms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). However, several cases of clear coexistence or overlap of both diseases have been reported. We describe a case of a 47-year-old man presenting with a renal mass and a nasal crusting showing histopathological features of IgG4-RD in both territories. Cytoplasmic/proteinase 3 (PR3) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were positive and the patient subsequently developed kidney failure and nephritic syndrome that led to a renal biopsy re-evaluation revealing changes compatible with segmental necrotising glomerulonephritis and GPA. Remission induction therapy with prednisone and rituximab was started and clinical and laboratory parameters returned to normal. After administering a maintenance regimen based in rituximab 500 mg every six month the patient remained asymptomatic during 4 years of follow-up and free of prednisone the last 18 months. Although coexistence or overlap of GPA and IgG4-RD may be established in some clinical scenarios, the possibility of widening the spectrum of a single disease is also postulated.

Keywords: ANCA-associated vasculitis; IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD); Wegener’s granulomatosis; granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA); vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood
  • Glomerulonephritis / complications*
  • Glomerulonephritis / drug therapy
  • Glomerulonephritis / pathology
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / complications*
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / drug therapy
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / complications*
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / drug therapy
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Rituximab
  • Prednisone