Granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with rapid multiorgan relapse: A case report.

RATIONALE

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis affecting small- and medium-sized blood vessels, mostly involving lung and kidney.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the case of a 33-year-old man that presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by alveolar hemorrhage.

DIAGNOSES

Aggressive GPA presenting with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and multiorgan involvement.

INTEVENTIONS

Immunosuppressive therapy, plasma exchange, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

OUTCOMES

Relapse occurred very early, despite immunosuppressive treatment, with a rare involvement of genital system (epididymitis) and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis difficult to treat.

LESSONS

GPA is a challenging, multifaceted disease that can require aggressive supportive therapy and is associated with a high rate of relapse that may present with uncommon site of involvement.