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Updated: Sep 10, 2025
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An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
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Diffuse pulmonary lesions caused by ANCA-associated vasculitis: A case report
Huiying Chen1, Zehui Lin2, Xiaoyun Jian2
1The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Medicine
|August 27, 2025
Summary
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) can mimic respiratory infections, delaying diagnosis. Early antibody testing and multidisciplinary care are vital for prompt treatment and improved outcomes in AAV patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) comprises rare, multisystem autoimmune diseases.
- Respiratory involvement is common in AAV, often presenting as symptoms similar to infections.
- Diagnostic delays for AAV can occur due to challenging imaging findings of alveolar hemorrhage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges in identifying AAV.
- To emphasize the importance of early multidisciplinary collaboration in AAV diagnosis.
- To present a case of AAV with atypical respiratory presentation.
Main Methods:
- A middle-aged female patient presented with persistent respiratory symptoms unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Diagnostic workup included chest CT and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO-IgG) antibody testing.
- Multidisciplinary consultation confirmed the diagnosis of AAV.
Main Results:
- The patient received treatment with prednisone and azathioprine.
- Symptomatic improvement was observed within one week.
- Follow-up imaging demonstrated complete resolution of pulmonary lesions after three months.
Conclusions:
- AAV should be considered in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and lung changes unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Early anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody testing is crucial for timely AAV diagnosis.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration significantly aids in the prompt diagnosis and management of AAV.
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