[A case of myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) related glomerulonephritis associated with systemic sclerosis treated by steroid pulse therapy: a case report].

A 57-year-old woman had been diagnosed as systemic sclerosis (SSc) with Raynaud's phenomenon, acrosclerosis and polyarthritis since 1995. She admitted to our hospital in July 1996 because of general fatigue, hemosputa and progressive renal insufficiency. On admission, the blood pressure was normal and laboratory findings showed elevation of the serum creatinin level and a high titer of the myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) (> 1000 EU). The renal biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis. Both renal insufficiency and high titers of MPO-ANCA improved remarkably after methylpredonisolone pulse therapy. This case was suggestive of elucidating the pathogenesis of SSc and MPO-ANCA related glomerulonephritis.