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Microscopic polyangiitis: an incidental finding in a patient with stroke
Abubakar Tauseef1, Muhammad Sohaib Asghar1, Mariam Amir1
1Internal Medicine, Dow University Hospital, DUHS, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a primary systemic vasculitis characterized by inflammation of small-sized vessels associated with the presence of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies. We report a case of a 39-year-old female diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis as an incidental finding who presented with signs and symptoms of a stroke at a young age. Usually, it presents with fever, malaise, skin rash, weight loss, mononeuritis multiplex, and arthralgia/myalgia. Very rarely, it can involve meninges to cause meningeal vasculitis which can present as a febrile seizure. The most frequent neurological manifestation is peripheral neuropathy. Cerebral infarction or hemorrhage as an isolated finding is very rarely observed in the patient with MPA as was seen in our patient.
Insights
Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), a small vessel vasculitis, rarely presents as an isolated stroke in young adults. This case highlights MPA
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a small-vessel vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies.
- Typical MPA symptoms include fever, rash, and peripheral neuropathy.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old female presented with stroke symptoms, a rare initial manifestation.
- MPA was diagnosed incidentally in this patient.
Findings:
- Cerebral infarction as an isolated finding is exceptionally rare in MPA.
- Neurological involvement in MPA most commonly manifests as peripheral neuropathy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering MPA in young stroke patients.
- Highlights the diverse and rare neurological presentations of MPA.
- Emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and management of vasculitis.
