European Journal of Rheumatology
Case-Based Review
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis with breast involvement mimicking metastatic cancer: Case report and literature review

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis with breast involvement mimicking metastatic cancer: Case report and literature review

1.

Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

2.

Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

3.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

4.

Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

5.

Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium

Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7: 41-43
DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2019.19065
Read: 899 Downloads: 387 Published: 25 November 2019

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic inflammatory disease, characterized by the presence of necrotizing vasculitis of small and medium-sized vessels, granulomatous inflammation and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs). The diagnosis can be challenging due to the variable clinical presentation and possible involvement of virtually all organ systems. A correct diagnosis is indispensable for a timely start of medical treatment and to avoid unnecessary surgery. Therefore, cooperation with and the input of the pathologist is crucial. We report a case of a woman presenting with suspected metastatic cancer. The diagnosis of GPA was made mainly based on breast biopsy, and the patient was treated accordingly, with full recovery. This report provides a case description and a brief review of the literature.

Cite this article as: Gadeyne L, Henckaerts L, Goffin KE, et al. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis with breast involvement mimicking metastatic cancer: Case report and literature review. Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7(1): 41-3.

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