title: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis with severe pulmonary hemorrhage treated with rituximab.
abstract: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is characterized by systemic vasculitis, asthma and eosinophilia. Severe pulmonary hemorrhage is rare. Renal involvement is seen in approximately 25% and can vary from isolated urinary abnormality to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. There is limited evidence to support the use of rituximab in this condition. We present a patient with EGPA who had severe pulmonary hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. He responded to standard treatment including prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange. He subsequently had a relapse of pulmonary hemorrhage that was treated successfully with rituximab.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology, K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baikunje
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephropathology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vankalakunti
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Upadhyaya
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Hosmane
keywords: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis; pulmonary hemorrhage; rituximab