Tension Pneumothorax as Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
  • Rúben Reis
    Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
  • Anneke Joosten
    Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
  • Francelino Ferreira
    Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
  • Magda Silva
    Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
  • Catarina Parente
    Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
  • Inês Maia
    Internal Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro-Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis) is a systemic vasculitis that primarily affects small and medium vessels. Its manifestations are usually confined to the upper airway, lower airway and kidney. It can also affect other organs and systems, although this is unusual. We describe the case of a 67-year-old woman who presented with a tension pneumothorax due to rupture of a pulmonary cavity. This pulmonary cavity proved to be secondary to systemic disease which also caused a tumour in her kidney. Biopsy showed non-necrotizing granulomatosis, and even though antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were negative, the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis was made.

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    Published: 2021-02-11
    Issue: 2021: Vol 8 No 2 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Reis R, Joosten A, Ferreira F, Silva M, Parente C, Maia I. Tension Pneumothorax as Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). EJCRIM 2021;8 doi:10.12890/2021_002304.

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