Lung adenocarcinoma and sequential antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a case report

J Int Med Res. 2021 Feb;49(2):300060521993319. doi: 10.1177/0300060521993319.

Abstract

The relationship between antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and lung cancer remains unclear. A 66-year-old man presented with pulmonary nodules. Histological examination of a specimen from computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated using cryoablation and systemic chemotherapy. Sixteen months later, the patient presented with fever, nasal inflammation, recurrent lung lesions, elevated serum creatinine levels, and high levels of ANCA. Histological examination of a specimen from ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy revealed pauci-immune necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis. The patient responded to treatment, but granulomatosis with polyangiitis recurred and he later died. This case highlights the possibility of sequential AAV with lung cancer. Although this is relatively rare, further research is needed to better understand the association or pathophysiological link between lung cancer and AAV.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis; autoimmune disease; case report; granulomatosis with polyangiitis; lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aged
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis* / complications
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis* / drug therapy
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Glomerulonephritis*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic