Microscopic polyangiitis

Microscopic polyangiitis is a rare, systemic, necrotizing, pauci-immune, ANCA associated small vessel vasculitis, with no evidence of granulomatous inflammation. Diagnosing microscopic polyangiitis is often difficult because of it´s presentation by a number of non-specific symptoms. We treated a 35-year old patient, who was admitted for migrating arthritis and fever with papulous rash. In this case, we want to point out the importance of considering the diagnosis of MPA and similar rare diseases in the process of differential diagnosis, mainly in patients presenting with non-specific symptoms, because the mortality of this disease without adequate treatment is alarmingly high.

Keywords: ANCA; cerebritis; glomerulonephritis; pancreatitis; polyangiitis; vasculitis.