Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-negative Pauci-immune Necrotizing Glomerulonephritis with Plasma Cell-rich Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Complicated with Pleuritis and Digital Ischemia

Intern Med. 2024 Jan 1;63(1):125-130. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1040-22. Epub 2023 May 10.

Abstract

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) predominantly affects small vessels. Almost all AAV patients are positive for myeloperoxidase- or proteinase 3-ANCA, and ANCA plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AAV. We herein report an ANCA-negative AAV patient with pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis and plasma cell-rich tubulointerstitial nephritis who was complicated with pleuritis and digital ischemia. ANCA-negative AAV is a rare clinical entity that is difficult to diagnose, and pleuritis and digital ischemia are rare manifestations of AAV. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important, as any delay in the diagnosis may worsen the prognosis.

Keywords: antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody; digital ischemia; microscopic polyangiitis; pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis; pleuritis.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis* / complications
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis* / diagnosis
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Autoantibodies
  • Glomerulonephritis* / complications
  • Glomerulonephritis* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / complications
  • Nephritis, Interstitial* / complications
  • Nephritis, Interstitial* / diagnosis
  • Peroxidase
  • Plasma Cells / pathology
  • Pleurisy* / complications

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Peroxidase