Systemic panca-associated vasculitis with central nervous involvement causing recurrent myelitis: case report.
BACKGROUND
We report on the case of an established perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) associated renal vasculitis being treated with prednisolone and rituximab, where the patient presented with leg weakness, urinary and faecal incontinence and buttock pain consistent with transverse myelitis.


METHODS
The patient underwent MRI scanning showing patchy cord enhancement from T10 to the conus, which was suggestive of a cord malignancy. Prior to a cord biopsy, he was treated with steroids and a repeat MRI showed resolution of the original lesion with a new similar lesion from C7 to T3.


CONCLUSIONS
He made a marked recovery after further treatment with high dose steroids and plasma exchange.
Exeter Kidney Unit, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, UK. alexander.hamilton@nhs.net
Alexander J
AJ
Hamilton
Duncan J
DJ
Whitehead
Matthew D
MD
Bull
Richard J
RJ
D'Souza
D000368:Aged; D056648:Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009187:Myelitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020293:Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / Q000150:complications*
D008775:Methylprednisolone