antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies: autoantibodies associated with various vasculitic syndromes, including *granulomatosis with polyangiitis, *microscopic polyangiitis, and *Churg–Strauss syndrome. ANCA have long been suspected of having a pathogenic role.
(GPA) an autoimmune disease, formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, predominantly affecting the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys, and characterized by blood-vessel inflammation and the formation of necrotizing *granulomas. It is associated with the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (*ANCA). Untreated the disease is usually fatal, but it can be controlled with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab.... granulomatosis with polyangiitis
(MPA) an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of small blood vessels, leading to reduced kidney function and breathlessness. It is associated with the presence of antinuclear cytoplasmic antibodies (*ANCA) and can be treated with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab.... microscopic polyangiitis
(periarteritis nodosa) a disease of unknown cause in which there is necrotizing inflammation of the walls of small and medium sized arteries, not associated with *ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies). Common manifestations are weight loss, testicular pain, myalgia, neuritis, skin rashes, hypertension, and renal disease. Treatment is with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs (such as cyclophosphamide).... polyarteritis nodosa
Health Encyclopedia