Microscopic polyangiitis complicated by intracerebral hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage in a pediatric patient.

PATIENT

Female, 10 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Polyangiitis Symptoms: Intracranial hemorrhage • swelling • oliguria

MEDICATION

Cyclophosphamide • prednisolone Clinical Procedure: Plasmapheresis Specialty: Paediatric nephrology • nephrology • paediatrics.

OBJECTIVE

Rare disease.

BACKGROUND

MPO ANCA-associated vasculitis is very rare in children. Renal disease is almost universally present but lung and central nervous system involvement are not commonly reported.

CASE REPORT

We present a pediatric case of microscopic polyangiitis with the unusual presentation of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, intracerebral hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage. The neurological and pulmonary symptoms settled after treatment with cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis. However, there was no renal recovery and the patient was rendered dialysis-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that this is the first reported case of pediatric microscopic polyangiitis with central nervous system involvement. The disease may have a subclinical presentation resulting in chronic damage to different organs. Prompt treatment of acute disease with immunosuppression and plasmapheresis can halt disease progression in these patients.