TB Research

Cannonball Pulmonary Opacities Disclosing a Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (GPA) With C-Antimyeloperoxidase (C-Anti-MPO) Antineutrophil Cytoplasm Antibodies (ANCAs)

Meriem Rhazari, Hiba Ramdani, Sara Gartini, Othman Moueqqit, Gokul Paidi, Mohammed Musallam, Afaf Thouil, Hatim Kouismi

Cureus · 2022-05

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of medium- and small-caliber vessels associated with the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCAs) and antibodies specific for proteinase 3 (anti-PR3). The interest of this case lies on the fact that these antibodies are directed against myeloperoxidase revealed by the presence of scattered multiple pulmonary nodules. We report a 65-year-old-female patient who presented with a productive cough with mucus sputum associated with a cephalea for six months. The chest x-ray showed multiple pulmonary nodules, first suggesting a neoplastic origin. The initial etiological assessment was non-contributory. A month later, the patient developed pulmonary condensations and ocular signs. The etiological assessment then found ANCA anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO)-GPA. A good knowledge of the clinical and radiological signs of GPA is important to quickly guide the diagnosis that will condition the prognosis of this disease.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
  • Proteinase 3
  • Microscopic polyangiitis
  • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
  • Sputum
  • Vasculitis
  • Pathology
  • Myeloperoxidase
  • Antibody
  • Etiology
  • Autoantibody
  • Immunology