[Anti neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies-positive vasculitis as a complication of hyperthyreosis treatment with propylthiouracil]. / Zapalenie naczyn z obecnoscia przeciwcial przeciwko cytoplazmie granulocytów jako powiklanie leczenia nadczynnosci tarczycy propylotiouracylem.

This paper describes a patient treated for 12 months with propylthiouracil for multinodular toxic goiter who developed vasculitis. The clinical picture consisted of nasal septal necrosis, pulmonary infiltrations and skin rash. Patient's serum were positive for anti neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies (c-ANCA). Histopathological examination revealed the presence of small vessel vasculitis without granuloma formation. This condition resulted in patient's critical state with respiratory failure and severe cardiovascular complications. The article also contains a brief review of available literature concerning this very rare complication. Conclusion. Propylthiouracil, a widely-used medicine, can cause severe life-threatening complication. It is associated with propylthiouracil-induced immunological disturbances.