title: Retroperitoneal fibrosis and c-ANCA positivity.
abstract: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon collagen vascular disease characterized by a chronic nonspecific inflammation of the retroperitoneum, which can entrap and obstruct retroperitoneal structures. Although obscure, an autoimmune-mediated or vasculitic etiology has been hypothesized. In the current report, a case of RPF associated with the presence of antibodies against proteinase III, which responded effectively to immunosuppressive therapy, is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece. MavraganiK@HSS.EDU
authors.forename: Clio P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Mavragani
authors.forename: Michalis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Voulgarelis
mesh_terms: D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012185:Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic