Relationship between vasculitis and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a correlation without causation

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Hematology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Malignancy-associated vasculitis is infrequently reported.
• Associations between c-ANCA vasculitis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are exceptionally rare in current literature.

Observation:

• A 79-year-old male presented with melena, hemoptysis, acute hypoxia, and acute kidney injury.
• The patient was diagnosed with both c-ANCA positive vasculitis and CLL.
• The vasculitis presented with renal and pulmonary manifestations, deviating from typical cutaneous presentations.

Findings:

• This case highlights a unique co-occurrence of c-ANCA vasculitis and CLL.
• The patient's presentation involved severe renal and pulmonary compromise.

Implications:

• Recognizing this rare dual diagnosis is crucial to prevent diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes.
• Further research into the relationship between c-ANCA vasculitis and CLL is warranted.