The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)

An ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis that affects small vessels and does not form granulomas.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)?

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is an ANCA-associated vasculitis affecting small vessels without granuloma formation. MPO-ANCA (p-ANCA) positivity is typical. It is one of the important causes of pulmonary-renal syndrome.

Renal involvement is most common and presents as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. In the lungs, it can cause alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary-renal syndrome. The skin, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system can also be affected.

Diagnosis is made by clinical findings, ANCA positivity, and biopsy (kidney, skin, or lung). Treatment uses combinations of steroids and cyclophosphamide or rituximab. Plasmapheresis may be beneficial in severe cases.

Symptoms

Hematuria and proteinuria
Hemoptysis
Dyspnea
Fever and weight loss
Palpable purpura
Mononeuritis multiplex
Abdominal pain

Risk Factors

Silica exposure
Drugs such as hydralazine and propylthiouracil
Infections
Genetic predisposition
Advanced age
Male sex
Concomitant autoimmune diseases

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Rapidly progressing kidney failure
  • Hemoptysis and shortness of breath
  • Unexplained fever and weight loss
  • Purpuric skin rash

Treatment Methods

01
High-dose corticosteroids
02
Cyclophosphamide or rituximab
03
Plasmapheresis (severe alveolar hemorrhage or DAH)
04
Azathioprine (maintenance therapy)
05
PJP prophylaxis
06
Renal replacement in those requiring dialysis

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Asthma

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath attacks; with proper treatment it can be kept under control.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

COPD is an irreversible lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough; quitting smoking slows its progression.

Pneumonia

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumonia presents with high fever, cough and shortness of breath; the vast majority recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Tuberculosis presents with weeks-to-months of cough, fever, and night sweats; early diagnosis and treatment lead to full recovery.

Pleural Effusion

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, resulting from imbalances in fluid production and removal, and represents a manifestation of diverse cardiopulmonary, infectious, and malignant disorders.

Pneumothorax

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space resulting in partial or complete lung collapse, classified as spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic, with tension pneumothorax representing a life-threatening emergency.

Bronchitis (Acute and Chronic)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Acute bronchitis is mostly viral and resolves spontaneously, while chronic bronchitis is a smoking-related component of COPD.

Bronchiectasis

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by permanent, abnormal dilation of bronchi with associated destruction of muscular and elastic components of airway walls, resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent infection.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.