Pseudovasculitis and corticosteroid therapy.
Pseudovasculitis, vasculitis-like syndromes, vasculitis look-alikes, or mimics of vasculitis represent a heterogeneous collection of disorders that are capable of simulating vasculitis. Inappropriate diagnosis leads to delay or absence of proper management and exposure to potentially deleterious treatment modalities such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents. We report the case of fibromuscular dysplasia suspected to be a polyarteritis nodosa. The progression of the lesions visualized by the ultrasonographic study and computed tomography (CT) scan after 10 days of treatment led to an emergency laparotomy. The possible deleterious role of steroids given to treat the suspected vasculitis is discussed.
Immunology and Transplant Unit, Service of Immunology and Allergology, Geneva University Hospital, 24, rue Micheli-du-Crest, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Camillo
C
Ribi
Denis
D
Mauget
Jean-François
JF
Egger
Gregory
G
Khatchatourian
Jean
J
Villard
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005352:Fibromuscular Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones