Granulomatosis with polyangiitis - the incomplete puzzle
Ana Catarina Duarte1, Ana Cordeiro1, Pedro Gonçalves1
1Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta.
Abstract:
Granulomatous with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis that mostly affects small-sized vessels. The disease can affect many organs, although renal and respiratory tract involvement are the most frequent and distinguishing features. Musculoskeletal manifestations have been reported in about 50% of patients and can occur as myalgia, oligoarthralgia/arthritis of large joints or polyarthralgia/arthritis of small joints. Infrequently musculoskeletal symptoms can be the first disease manifestation, and in this clinical scenario GPA diagnosis might be delayed or mistaken by other rheumatic diseases. The authors describe three patients with musculoskeletal symptoms as earliest GPA manifestations, illustrating the clinical challenge.
Insights
Granulomatous with polyangiitis (GPA) can initially present with musculoskeletal symptoms, mimicking rheumatic diseases. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for timely GPA diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vasculitis
- Immunology
Background:
- Granulomatous with polyangiitis (GPA) is a small-vessel vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomas.
- Renal and respiratory tract involvement are common, but musculoskeletal manifestations occur in approximately 50% of patients.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms can precede other GPA signs, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenge posed by early musculoskeletal manifestations in GPA.
- To illustrate how GPA can be mistaken for other rheumatic conditions when joint and muscle symptoms are the initial presentation.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing three patients with GPA.
- Focus on the initial presentation of musculoskeletal symptoms.
- Review of clinical course and diagnostic process.
Main Results:
- All three patients presented with musculoskeletal symptoms as their earliest manifestation of GPA.
- Diagnosis of GPA was delayed in these cases due to initial misinterpretation as other rheumatic diseases.
- The described cases underscore the variability of GPA presentation.
Conclusions:
- Musculoskeletal symptoms can be the primary presenting feature of GPA.
- Clinicians should consider GPA in patients with unexplained musculoskeletal complaints, especially when other systemic signs are absent.
- Prompt recognition of GPA in this context is essential to prevent disease progression and organ damage.
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