Vol.22 No.5

Case Report

Development of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in a patient with Graves’ disease independent of anti-thyroid drug therapy

Authors

Nasim Ahmed Khan1,2 , Manisha Singh3

  • Division of Rheumatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #509, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
  • Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
  • Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
Received:

13 October 2011

Accepted:

21 November 2011

Published online:

14 December 2011

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Abstract

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) in patients with Graves’ disease (GD) is linked with the use of anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs). We report the co-occurrence of AAV and GD in a patient that was independent of ATD therapy. A 38-year-old white male presented with systemic symptoms, palpitations, tremors, purpuric skin lesions, and digital pain. Physical examination and biological tests confirmed GD. He quickly developed multiple digital gangrenes and testicular pain/mass. Skin and testicular biopsies showed granulomatous vasculitis of the small- and medium-sized vessels, while his serum contained anti-proteinase-3 antibody.

Key words

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyassociated vasculitis - Antithyroid agents - Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) - Graves’ disease