Systemic lupus erythematosus/ANCA-associated vasculitis overlap: An explanation for atypical lupus manifestation

Lupus. 2022 Apr;31(4):495-499. doi: 10.1177/09612033221084519. Epub 2022 Mar 4.

Abstract

The coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) as an overlapping syndrome is not common. Here, we report a case of a 33-year-old woman, with recent SLE diagnosis due to skin, kidney, articular, and immunologic compromise, in whom a chest CT scan showed bilateral nodules, consolidations, and tree-in-bud pattern; thoracoscopic lung biopsy revealed diffuse non-caseating granulomas, without other features of sarcoid, organizing pneumonia, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis with high positive p-ANCA titers. Overlap between SLE and AAV was a possible explanation for lupus granulomatous pneumonitis, and for this reason, a multidisciplinary meeting was held to evaluate complex patients with interstitial lung diseases patients.

Keywords: ANCA-Associated Vasculitis; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis; Interstitial Lung Diseases; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis* / complications
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid* / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis