Frequency of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / Frecuencia de los anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. Patients with SLE exhibit multiple serum autoantibodies, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs). There are two main techniques to detect ANCAs: indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this study, an attempt was made to determine the frequency and clinical associations of ANCAs in patients with SLE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Colombia that included 74 patients with SLE. The presence of ANCAs was assessed using IIF with ethanol-fixed slides, and ELISA was used to detect antibody specificities for myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA. Results: Of the 74 patients with SLE evaluated, 60 (81.1%) of them were ANCA-positive by IIF. By contrast, only one patient showed specificity for PR3-ANCA by ELISA. The relevance of ANCA positivity by IIF and clinical and serological features was significant for renal involvement (p = .0174), and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) (p = .0308). Conclusion: ANCAs are common in the serum of patients with SLE, as detected by ethanol-fixed slides with IIF staining. However, detection of specificity to PR3 and/or MPO is rare, thus highlighting the importance of detecting these autoantibodies by different techniques.

RESUMEN Introducción: El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. Los pacientes con LES muestran múltiples autoanticuerpos séricos, incluyendo los anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo (ANCA, por sus siglas en inglés). Existen 2 técnicas principales para la detección de ANCA: inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) y ensayo por inmunoadsorción ligado a enzimas (ELISA). En este estudio nuestro objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia y las asociaciones clínicas de los ANCA en pacientes con LES. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio transversal de 74 pacientes con LES en un hospital de alta complejidad de Colombia. La presencia de ANCA se evaluó por IFI, utilizando láminas con fijación de etanol, y con ELISA para determinar las especificidades para mieloperoxidasa (MPO)-ANCA y proteinasa 3 (PR3)-ANCA. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 74 pacientes con LES, 60 (81,1%) de ellos fueron positivos para ANCA. Por el contrario, solo un paciente mostró especificidad para PR3-ANCA por ELISA. La relación entre la positividad para ANCA por IFI y las características clínicas y serológicas fue estadísticamente significativa para compromiso renal (p = 0,0174) y para el índice de actividad de la enfermedad (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI]) (p = 0,0308). Conclusiones: Los ANCA detectados mediante fijación con etanol por técnicas de IFI, son comunes en pacientes con LES. Sin embargo, la detección de especificidades para PR3 o MPO es rara; se destaca la importancia de la evaluación de estos autoanticuerpos mediante diferentes técnicas.

Manifestaciones pulmonares al diagnóstico de 170 pacientes con vasculitis asociadas a anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos: cohorte retrospectiva de un centro universitario / Pulmonary manifestations at the diagnosis of 170 patients with vasculitis associated with anticytoplasmic neutrophil antibodies: retrospective cohort of a university center

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las Vasculitis Asociadas a Anticuerpos Anticitoplasma de Neutrófilos (VAA) son infrecuentes, pero de amplio espectro de presentación. Si bien el consenso de clasificación de Chapel Hill del año 2012, sigue vigente, la tendencia actual es clasificarlas de acuerdo al marcador inmunológico: anti-Proteinasa 3 (PR3) o anti-mieloperoxidasa (MPO). Las manifestaciones pulmonares clásicas son la hemorragia alveolar y los nódulos pulmonares. En los últimos 10 años se ha descrito la enfermedad pulmonar difusa (EPD). Los estudios epidemiológicos son escasos, y suelen representar en su mayoría poblaciones norteamericanas o europeas. El objetivo es describir las características del compromiso pulmonar al debut en VAA en un centro universitario. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: De un total de 190 pacientes con diagnóstico de VAA se incluyeron 170 en seguimiento en nuestro centro. Se revisaron aspectos clínicos, demográficos, laboratorio e imagenológicos de los pacientes incluidos. RESULTADOS: De los 170 pacientes, 112 (65,88%) presentaron compromiso pulmonar. 106 (94,64%) de los pacientes fueron anticuerpos anti citoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) positivos; de estos, 56 (53,27%) MPO (+) y 39 (36,45%) PR-3 (+). Un tercio de los pacientes de ambos grupos presentó hemorragia alveolar. En los pacientes MPO (+) predomina la EPD (53,5%) y en PR-3 (+) los nódulos pulmonares (69,23%). Destaca la baja frecuencia de patología obstructiva asociada. CONCLUSIONES: El compromiso pulmonar en las VAA es prevalente y heterogéneo. En nuestra serie, destaca la frecuencia de EPD en VAA MPO (+), lo que releva la importancia del estudio con ANCA en paciente con diagnóstico y seguimiento por EPD.

INTRODUCTION: Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) are uncommon, but of broad spectrum of presentation. Although the 2012 Chapel Hill classification consensus remains valid, the current trend is to classify them according to the immunological marker: anti-Proteinase 3 antibody (PR-3) or anti-Myeloperoxidase antibody (MPO). The classic pulmonary manifestations are alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary nodules. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been described in the last 10 years. Epidemiological studies are scarce, and they usually represent mostly North American or European populations. The objective is to describe the characteristics of lung involvement upon debut in AAV in a university center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of a total of 190 patients diagnosed with AAV, 170 were included in follow-up at our center. Clinical, demographic, laboratory and imaging aspects of the included patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 170 patients, 112 (65.88%) had lung involvement. 106 (94.64%) of the patients were ANCA (+); of these, 56 (53.27%) MPO (+) and 39 (36.45%) PR-3 (+). One third of the patients in both groups had alveolar hemorrhage. In MPO (+) patients, ILD predominates (53.5%) and in PR-3 (+) pulmonary nodules (69.23%). The low frequency of associated obstructive pathology stands out. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary manifestations in AAVs are frequent and heterogeneous. Locally, the association of ILD and AAV MPO (+) stands out, which highlights the importance of ANCA study in patients with diagnosis and follow-up by ILD.

Laboratory Diagnosis of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV) Using a Combination of Immunofluorescence Test (IIFT) and Line Immunoassay (LIA): Single-Centre Report From India.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is a small vessel vasculitis with insufficient epidemiological estimates in India. We aimed to determine demographic, clinical features, and laboratory diagnosis of AAV patients presenting to a large tertiary care centre in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1289 patient samples were screened for ANCA by indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) and confirmation of ANCA target antigens was done by line immunoassay. Association between IIFT and LIA was determined in AAV. RESULTS: By IIFT, ANCA was detected in 13.0% (168 out of 1289), of which 23.8% (40/168) were positive with P-ANCA pattern, 25.0% (42/168) were positive with C-ANCA and 47.6% (80/168) showed an atypical pattern. On evaluation with a line immunoassay, 6.7% (86/1289) were positive out of which 52.3% (45/86), 41.9% (36/86), 8.8% (6/86) were positive for anti-MPO, anti-PR3, and anti-GBM respectively. In eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) 87.5% (7/8), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA/RLV) 91.3% (21/23), anti-MPO was the predominantly observed antibody. In granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) anti-PR3 antibody was predominant in 87.5% (28/32) cases. Out of 168 IIF positive samples 8, 32, and 23 cases of EGPA, GPA, and MPA/RLV were observed respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The primary aim of the study was to provide single-centre data to determine the laboratory diagnosis of AAV. A combination of IIFT and LIA was found to be an optimum testing strategy for the laboratory diagnosis of AAV.

Laboratory Diagnosis of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV) Using a Combination of Immunofluorescence Test (IIFT) and Line Immunoassay (LIA): Single-Centre Report From India / Diagnóstico de laboratorio de vasculitis asociada a ANCA (VAA), utilizando conjuntamente test de inmunofluorescencia (IIFT) e inmunoensayo lineal (LIA): Reporte de un único centro de la India

Introduction: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is a small vessel vasculitis with insufficient epidemiological estimates in India. We aimed to determine demographic, clinical features, and laboratory diagnosis of AAV patients presenting to a large tertiary care centre in India. Material and methods: 1289 patient samples were screened for ANCA by indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) and confirmation of ANCA target antigens was done by line immunoassay. Association between IIFT and LIA was determined in AAV. Results: By IIFT, ANCA was detected in 13.0% (168 out of 1289), of which 23.8% (40/168) were positive with P-ANCA pattern, 25.0% (42/168) were positive with C-ANCA and 47.6% (80/168) showed an atypical pattern. On evaluation with a line immunoassay, 6.7% (86/1289) were positive out of which 52.3% (45/86), 41.9% (36/86), 8.8% (6/86) were positive for anti-MPO, anti-PR3, and anti-GBM respectively. In eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) 87.5% (7/8), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA/RLV) 91.3% (21/23), anti-MPO was the predominantly observed antibody. In granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) anti-PR3 antibody was predominant in 87.5% (28/32) cases. Out of 168 IIF positive samples 8, 32, and 23 cases of EGPA, GPA, and MPA/RLV were observed respectively. Conclusions: The primary aim of the study was to provide single-centre data to determine the laboratory diagnosis of AAV. A combination of IIFT and LIA was found to be an optimum testing strategy for the laboratory diagnosis of AAV.(AU)

Introducción: La vasculitis asociada a anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos –ANCA– (VAA) es una vasculitis de pequeños vasos con cálculos epidemiológicos insuficientes en India. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar las características demográficas y clínicas, y los diagnósticos de laboratorio de los pacientes con VAA que se presentaron en un gran centro de cuidados terciarios en India. Material y métodos: Se realizó un cribado de ANCA en 1.289 pacientes mediante test de inmunofluorescencia directa (IIFT), realizándose la confirmación de los antígenos diana de ANCA mediante inmunoensayo lineal. La asociación entre IIFT y LIA fue determinada en VAA. Resultados: Mediante IIFT, se detectó ANCA en el 13% de los pacientes (168 de 1.289), de los cuales, el 23,8% (40/168) fue positivo con el patrón P-ANCA, el 25% (42/168) fue positivo con C-ANCA y el 47,6% (80/168) reflejó un patrón atípico. En la evaluación con inmunoensayo lineal, el 6,7% (86/1.289) fue positivo, de los cuales, el 52,3% (45/86), 41,9% (36/86) y 8,8% (6/86) fueron positivos para anti-MPO, anti-PR3 y anti-GBM, respectivamente. En la granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangitis (EGPA), en el 87,5% (7/8) de los casos, y en poliangitis microscópica (MPA/RLV) en el 91,3% (21/23), anti-MPO fue el anticuerpo predominantemente observado. En granulomatosis con poliangitis (GPA), el anticuerpo anti-PR3 fue predominante en el 87,5% (28/32) de los casos. De entre 168 muestras positivas de IIF, se observaron 8, 32, y 23 casos de EGPA, GPA y MPA/RLV, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El objetivo primario del estudio fue aportar los datos de un único centro para determinar el diagnóstico de laboratorio de VAA. El resultado fue que la combinación de IIFT y LIA es una estrategia óptima para el diagnóstico de laboratorio de VAA.(AU)

Vasculitis ANCA positiva inducida por Propiltiouracilo. Reporte de caso

La vasculitis asociada a propiltiouracilo (PTU) y ANCA es una enfermedad rara con una incidencia de 0,47-0,71 casos por cada 10 000 pacientes. Afecta principalmente a los vasos de menor calibre. Piel, riñones y pulmones son los más afectados. El diagnóstico requiere alta sospecha clínica y se apoya en estudios histopatológicos de las lesiones en piel y serología positiva para ANCA. La suspensión del medicamento suele bastar como manejo de la enfermedad. Mujer de 45 años de edad, con historia de consumo de PTU durante 2 años, desde su diagnóstico de hipertiroidismo; presentando placas purpúricas dolorosas en ambos miembros inferiores.

SUMMARY ANCA vasculitis associated to propylthiouracil (PTU) is a rare condition with an incidence of 0.47-0.71 cases per 100,000 patients. It affects mainly minor caliber blood vessels. The skin, kidneys and lungs are the organs most affected. To make the diagnosis it is necessary to have a high index of suspicion and rely on histopathologic findings of skin lesions plus a positive ANCA test. Stopping the inducing drug is usually necessary to manage this condition. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who consumed PTU for two years for the treatment of hyperthyroidism presenting with painful purpuric plaques in the lower limbs.

Laboratory Diagnosis of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV) Using a Combination of Immunofluorescence Test (IIFT) and Line Immunoassay (LIA): Single-Centre Report From India.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is a small vessel vasculitis with insufficient epidemiological estimates in India. We aimed to determine demographic, clinical features, and laboratory diagnosis of AAV patients presenting to a large tertiary care centre in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1289 patient samples were screened for ANCA by indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) and confirmation of ANCA target antigens was done by line immunoassay. Association between IIFT and LIA was determined in AAV. RESULTS: By IIFT, ANCA was detected in 13.0% (168 out of 1289), of which 23.8% (40/168) were positive with P-ANCA pattern, 25.0% (42/168) were positive with C-ANCA and 47.6% (80/168) showed an atypical pattern. On evaluation with a line immunoassay, 6.7% (86/1289) were positive out of which 52.3% (45/86), 41.9% (36/86), 8.8% (6/86) were positive for anti-MPO, anti-PR3, and anti-GBM respectively. In eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) 87.5% (7/8), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA/RLV) 91.3% (21/23), anti-MPO was the predominantly observed antibody. In granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) anti-PR3 antibody was predominant in 87.5% (28/32) cases. Out of 168 IIF positive samples 8, 32, and 23 cases of EGPA, GPA, and MPA/RLV were observed respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The primary aim of the study was to provide single-centre data to determine the laboratory diagnosis of AAV. A combination of IIFT and LIA was found to be an optimum testing strategy for the laboratory diagnosis of AAV.

Granulomatosis Con Poliangeítis Y Compromiso En Fosa Posterior. Reporte De Un Caso / Granulomatosis With Polyangeitis In Posterior Fosa. Report of a Case

Resumen La Granulomatosis con Poliangeitis, también conocida como granulomatosis de Wegner presenta una incidencia de 5-10 casos por millón de habitantes y solo el 2-11% de los casos presentan manifestaciones en el sistema nervioso central. No existen unos criterios diagnósticos estandarizados, sin embargo, la sospecha clínica, la serología positiva para ANCA, la evidencia histológica de vasculitis necrotizante, la glomerulonefritis necrotizante o la inflamación granulomatosa de órganos como piel, pulmón o riñón, pueden hacer pensar en dicha patología. La neurocirugía es una opción tanto diagnostica como terapéutica y debería realizarse en aquellos casos en que las lesiones se encuentren en zonas accesibles y tengan bajo riesgo de generar comorbilidades. Presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 39 años con cuadro de Granulomatosis con Poliangeítis con compromiso en fosa posterior a quién se le realiza un abordaje occipitocervical derecho. Posterior al manejo quirúrgico presenta infección meningea. Adicionalmente, realizamos una revisión de la literatura sobre dicha patología.

Granulomatosis with Poliangeitis or Wegner's granulomatosis has an incidence of 5-10 cases per million of habitants and only 2-11% of cases present manifestations in the central nervous system. There are no standardized diagnostic criteria, however, clinical suspicion, positive serology for ANCA 'S, histological evidence of necrotizing vasculitis, necrotizing glomerulonephritis or granulomatous inflammation of organs such as skin, lung or kidney, may suggest this pathology. Neurosurgery is a diagnostic and therapeutic option and could be a possibility in those cases in which the lesions are in accessible areas and have low risk of generating comorbidities. We present the case of a 39-year-old female patient with granulomatosis and polyangiitis with involvement in the posterior fossa. After surgical management, it presents meningeal infection. Additionally, we conducted a review of the pathology.

Frequency of Positive ANCA Test in a Population With Clinical Symptoms Suggestive of Autoimmune Disease and the Interference of ANA in its Interpretation. / Frecuencia de ANCA positivos en una población con síntomas clínicos sugestivos de enfermedad autoinmune y la interferencia de ANA en su interpretación.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm (ANCA) are associated with vasculitis. There are different methods to determine their presence. The interference of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the differentiation between P-ANCA and C-ANCA patterns has been described. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of ANCA in a population with manifestations of autoimmune disease, and evaluate the interference of ANA in its interpretation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive nonexperimental cross-sectional study, including 3,330 data. The presumptive diagnosis was autoimmune disease and a test for ANCA was requested. The ANCA and ANA determinations were made by indirect immunofluorescence, L-ANCA® and CytoBead® ANCA. Anti-proteinase 3 and anti-myeloperoxidase were detected by ELISA and CytoBead® ANCA. RESULTS: ANCAs were positive in 10.21% and 12.64% of those positive for ANCA were positive for ANA. The inter-rater agreement statistic (Kappa) for anti-PR3 between CytoBead ANCA and ELISA was 100% (K=1.00; P<.05) and the agreement between anti- myeloperoxidase by ELISA and CytoBead® ANCA was high (K=0.94; P<.05). 30% of those with ANCAs had a diagnosis of a type of vasculitis; 20% of them had an autoimmune disease. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest an overestimated request for ANCAs as a diagnostic aid in primary care which was not addressed. For an adequate evaluation of ANCAs, the indirect immunofluorescence technique should be implemented for the control and confirmation with the determination of specific antigens for anti- proteinase 3 and anti- myeloperoxidase in any of the confirmatory assays. The high concordance shown by ANCA CytoBeads makes us consider the use of this alternative for the determination of ANCAs and the confirmation. Given the interference of ANAs, the ANA test by IFI in the presence of positive P-ANCA results is recommended in order to minimize "false positives".

Microscopic polyangiitis and antiphospholipid syndrome. An uncommon association / Poliangitis microscópica y síndrome antifosfolípido. Una asociación infrecuente

ABSTRACT Antiphospholipid syndrome is frequently associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. However, coexistence with primary vasculitis has been poorly reported. The case is presented of a 67-year-old patient with a history of recurrent abortion and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism who was admitted due to haemopty sis. At the initial evaluation, a massive alveolar haemorrhage and glomerulonephritis were diagnosed. The results of the antibodies were positive for ANCA with P-type pattern, anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies, and antiphospholipid antibodies (anti-β2 IgG glycoprotein 1 and lupus anticoagulant). Diagnosis of ANCA positive vasculitis-type microscopic polyangiitis was made in association with antiphospholipid syndrome. Given the clinical context, it was decided to initiate intravenous methylprednisolone in pulses for 3 consecutive days, fol lowed by oral prednisone, and as maintenance therapy, rituximab and anticoagulation with warfarin were instituted. The clinical evolution of the patient was satisfactory, with symp tom control being achieved, as well as a significant improvement of renal and pulmonary function, with a decrease in the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS).

RESUMEN El síndrome antifosfolípido se asocia frecuentemente con lupus eritematoso sistémico y otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Sin embargo, la coexistencia con vasculitis primaria ha sido poco reportada. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 67 arios de edad con historia de aborto recurrente y tromboembolismo pulmonar crónico, quien es admitida para estudio de hemoptisis. A la evaluación inicial se diagnosticó una hemorragia alveolar masiva y glomerulonefritis. El resultado de los anticuerpos fue positivo para anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) con patrón tipo perinuclear, anticuerpos anti-mieloperoxidasa y anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (anti (32 glicoproteína 1 IgG y anticoagulante lúpico), configurándose el diagnóstico de vasculitis asociada a ANCA de tipo poliangitis microscópica en asociación con síndrome antifosfolípido. Dado el contexto clínico, se decidió iniciar metilprednisolona intravenosa en pulsos por 3 días consecutivos, seguida de prednisona oral, y como terapia de mantenimiento se instauró rituximab y anticoagulación con warfarina. La evolución clínica de la paciente fue satisfactoria, alcanzando control de síntomas e importante mejoría de la función renal y pulmonar, con disminución del score BVAS.

Tuberculosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or both? A case report. / ¿Tuberculosis, granulomatosis con poliangeítis, o ambos? Caso clínico inusual.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic granulomatose infection, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GP) is a small vessel vasculitis, both of which affect the lungs. The combination of these diseases is rare. Both have similar clinical features, making the differential diagnosis difficult. CASE REPORT: It concerns a 37 year-old female undergoing treatment for pulmonary TB, who presented with left ocular proptosis, eyelid and conjunctival edema and erythema. Orbital biopsy revealed GP. C-Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were elevated. The patient responded well to immunosuppressive treatment. CONCLUSION: TB and GP can associate. Diagnosis should include not only C-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, but also a biopsy, in order to select the appropriate treatment.

Presentación atípica de la poliangeítis microscópica con compomiso renal, pulmonar, dermatológico y del sistema nervioso central / Atypical presentation of microscopic polyangiitis with renal, pulmonary, dermatological and central nervous system involvement

La poliangeítis microscópica (PAM) es una vasculitis autoinmune caracterizada por la inflamación de los vasos sanguíneos de pequeño calibre y la presencia de anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA). Clínicamente se caracteriza por presentar glomerulonefritis y capilaritis pulmonar aunque la afectación de la piel, los nervios y el tracto gastrointestinal no es infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 17 años con manifestaciones atípicas dadas por glomerulonefritis pauci-inmune, hemorragia pulmonar, vasculitis leucocitoclásica cutánea y hemorragia cerebral. Además revisamos las características histológicas y radiológicas.

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is an autoimmune antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated (ANCA) small-vessel vasculitis. It is clinically characterized by glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis, however, skin, nerve and gastrointestinal tract involvement is also relatively common. A case is presented in a 17-year-old male patient with atypical manifestations, such as, pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, alveolar hemorrhage, cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis and cerebral hemorrhage. MPA histologic and radiologic features were also reviewed.

[Cutaneous and mucosal manifestations associated with cocaine use]. / Manifestaciones cutáneas y mucosas asociadas al consumo de cocaína.

Complications due to cocaine are a public health problem. The typical cutaneous disease is leukocytoclastic vasculitis and/or thrombotic vasculopathy affecting mainly the ears. No intense systemic involvement is usually present, but there may be several cutaneous, mucosal and systemic manifestations. Other findings associated as arthralgia, neutropaenia or agranulocytosis, low titer positive antinuclear antibodies, antiphospholipid antibody positivity and neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies against multiple antigens help the diagnosis. This disease requires a clinical suspicion with a clinical history, a complete physical examination and a broad differential diagnosis for an early and correct diagnosis. The course is usually self-limited. In most cases the only treatment is to discontinue the use of cocaine associated with symptomatic treatment, no proven benefit of systemic corticosteroids.

Recurrence of ANCA-associated vasculitis in a patient with kidney trasplant.

Renal disease secondary to vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) can lead to chronic renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy. In these patients, kidney transplantation offers excellent long-term rates of allograft and patient survival; consequently, they can be trasplanted when the clinical disease activity has remitted. However, the risk of disease relapses in the renal allograft remains, although at lower rates due to modern immunosuppressive regimens. We describe the case of a male patient with extracapillary glomerulonephritis type III C-ANCA (+) who developed a recurrence in the renal allograft 8 years after transplantation. Intensive immunosupression with plasmapheresis controlled the disease.