Open AccessSilicosis, then microscopic polyangiitis—antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies‐associated vasculitis may be work‐related disease in patients with silicosis
Author(s) -
Nishimura Yoshito,
Tsuda Tomohiro,
Nishina Shinichi,
Omoto Akiyoshi,
Misawa Mahito,
Yabe Hiroki,
Nagao Toshihiko
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of general and family medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2189-7948
DOI - 10.1002/jgf2.77
Subject(s) - medicine , silicosis , microscopic polyangiitis , anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody , vasculitis , granulomatosis with polyangiitis , disease , immunology , pathology
A 74‐year‐old man with silicosis was admitted to the hospital because of prolonged fever. After referral to internal medicine for persistent fever and renal dysfunction, workup revealed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ( ANCA ) positivity. He was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis ( MPA ). After treatment with immunosuppressive therapy, his condition improved. Herein, we discuss silica exposure and the risk of ANCA ‐associated vasculitis ( AAV ), particularly in terms of work‐related diseases. Silica exposure is a notorious risk factor for developing AAV , which is potentially lethal when not identified. When we see a silicosis patient with new‐onset prolonged fever and generalized fatigue, AAV should be taken into consideration. This case report provides beneficial information to reliably assess patients at high risk of developing AAV in primary care settings.