[Microscopic polyangiitis as etiology for lung fibrosis--a known but often late-diagnosed cause].
OBJECTIVE
Lung fibrosis as first symptomatic manifestation of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is rare. It is characterized by progressive exertional dyspnea, radiologic detection of reticular shadowing, and increased titers of MPA-associated autoantibodies. This case study shall remind of the rare treatable cause of lung fibrosis.


METHODS
A 78-year-old male patient with long-standing exertional dyspnea and typical chest radiograph appearances of advanced lung fibrosis is presented. The finding of MPA autoantibodies in laboratory tests was decisive to confirm the diagnosis of MPA, and a therapy adapted to the disease severity could be initiated.


CONCLUSIONS
An early diagnosis of MPA and a fast onset of therapy are important, because the influence of an already existent lung fibrosis is uncertain.
Gompelmann
Daniela Rosa
DR
Pneumologie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. daniela.gompelmann@thoraxklinik-heidelberg.de
Wenz
Heinrich
H
Heussel
Claus Peter
CP
Herth
Felix J
FJ
D000368:Aged; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000276:immunology; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009195:Peroxidase