title: Retroperitoneal fibrosis and p-ANCA-associated polyarteritis nodosa: coincidental or common etiology?
abstract: We describe a 65-year-old female patient who presented with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and polyarteritis nodosa. In addition, antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies were found with specificity for myeloperoxidase (p-ANCA; anti-MPO). Following immunosuppressive treatment, regression of signs and symptoms was observed, together with the disappearance of these specific antimyeloperoxidase antibodies. These findings, combined with data available in the literature, suggest a common pathogenesis of both disorders, possibly involving antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, PO Box 444, NL-3300 AK, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Bommel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brouwers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Makkus
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van Vliet