[Large vessel vasculitis with myelodysplastic syndrome: A rare association]

The vasculitis can be the consequence of malignancy: most often hematologic rather than solid tumors. The association between large vessels vasculitis and myelodysplastic syndrome is rare.

A 55-year-old man experienced asthenia, fever, polyarthritis and inflammatory syndrome. Haematological investigations found a type 2 refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB-2) with discovery of severe anemia (Hb: 7,8g/dl) and thrombopenia (platelets: 40,000/mm³). Radiological examinations found thoracic aortitis and carotid vasculitis. Treatment in the form of steroids and azacitidine was instituted. The lack of control of both RAEB-2 and vasculitis was responsible for the death of the patient.

Myelodysplastic syndrome and large vessels vasculitis is a rare but serious association disease. The lack of efficiency of corticosteroids seems to be common. Prognosis depends on the haematological treatment effectiveness.