Renal aspects of microscopic polyangiitis

Regarding two new cases in Colombia

Abstract

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic pauci-inmune, necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis which affects very small blood vessels, principally small caliber pulmonary arteries, veins, and capillaries. It most often affects glomerular capillaries, but occasionally affects pulmonary capillaries. It can cause renal dysfunction or renal failure primarily by severe glomerular inflammation. MPA"(TM)s etiology is unknown, but it is commonly associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Diagnosis of MPA is based on clinical manifestations, results of biopsies, positive tests for ANCA, and the absence of clinical or pathological evidence of necrotizing granulomatous inflammation or asthma. A large majority of MPA patients achieve temporary control of the illness through immnosuppressant therapies currently available. We report on two new cases of MPA in Colombia