Microscopic polyangitis

Question 1

What is the definition of microscopic polyangitis?

Answer 1

A lower respiratory tract - renal syndrome without the involvement of the upper respiratory tract

Question 2

What age does microscopic polyangitis present?

Answer 2

64 - 72 years

Question 3

How do patients normally present with microscopic polyangitis?

Answer 3

1. Pulmonary hemorrhage
2. rapidly glomerularnephritis
3. Prodrome : fever, malaise, athralgia
4. Rash - palpable purpura

Question 4

Which antibody is found positive?

Answer 4

pANCA

Question 5

What are the results from blood tests?

Answer 5

1. elevated ESR
2. elevated CRP
3. anaemia

Question 6

What features of renal impairment may be seen?

Answer 6

1. high creatinine
2. haematuria
3. proteinuria

Question 7

What is the gold standard investigation?

Answer 7

1. Kidney and lung biopsies

2. Kidneys show focal/segmental glomerularnephritis with epithelial crescent cells

Question 8

How is microscopic polyangitis different from Churg-Strauss/Wegener’s?

Answer 8

No granulomas present