[Bronchectasia and microscopic polyangeitis]

Microscopic polyangeitis is a necrosing vascularitis with pulmonary and renal tropism. Localized in the lung, microscopic polyangeitis leads to intra-alveolar hemorrhage. We report our observations in two patients who presented with concomitant bronchectasia. The parallel course of these two conditions suggests a possible relationship. We propose a pathophysiological approach involving a direct role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and neutrophilic proteases secreted in response to activation of anti-polymorphonuclear cytoplasm anti-bodies (ANCA) during microscopic polyangeitis aggravating bronchectasia.