Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Associated Vasculitis Presenting As Neuropathy

Cureus. 2024 Mar 27;16(3):e57046. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57046. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis (AAV), is a group of diseases marked by systemic symptoms and severe small vessel inflammation. The three subtypes of AAV are eosinophilic GPA (EGPA), Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). The organs that get involved in the disease process are the kidneys and the upper and lower respiratory tracts, with a spectrum of neurological manifestations. Here, we present a case report of a 68-year-old man who came with complaints of tingling and numbness over bilateral lower limbs for two months accompanied by difficulty in walking and bilateral foot drop without any respiratory complaints or involvement of sensory or autonomic system who was diagnosed with AAV (c-ANCA +) on further workup. A sural Nerve biopsy was done for confirmation which was suggestive of chronic, asymmetrical axonal neuropathy with perivascular inflammation, suggestive of vasculitic neuropathy. The patient had no other organ involvement. The patient was started on glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide therapy for 6 cycles after which his symptoms and quality of life improved drastically.

Keywords: acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (anca) associated vasculitis (aav); immunosuppression therapy; remission induction; single organ vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports