Vasculitis and systemic infections

Abstract

There remains considerable interest in the possibilities of primary vasculitic syndromes caused in some fashion by infection. With the exception of a few well sustained associations - for example hepatitis B or C with known vasculitic syndromes - most of the purported links between microbial agents and primary vasculitides remain speculative.

Generalized Wegener's granulomatosis in an immunocompetent adult after cytomegalovirus mononucleosis and bacterial urinary tract infection

“…Characteristic cytologic effects of productive HCMV infection in endothelial cells have been observed in immunocompromised patients (8,10), suggesting a direct vasculitis-inducing effect of the virus. Besides infecting vessel walls, viruses can induce vascular injury by immune-mediated mechanisms, such as molecular mimicry and secretion of cytokines (11). Viral mimicry likely explains the generation of autoreactive pathogenetic autoantibodies that cross-react with HCMV during systemic sclerosis and atherosclerosis (4).…”

Unusual Case Presentations of Wegener’s Granulomatosis

“…Induction of complete remission is the goal of immunosuppressive therapy and complete remission is achieved in more than 90% of the cases. Plasma exchange has been performed for WG patients who are dependent on dialysis and those who have rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) (15). In both of our patients, remission was achieved by glucocorticoids plus cyclophosphamide treatment supported by plasmapheresis.…”

Vasculitis Associated with Infection, Malignant Tumors, Drugs, and Other Factors

“…Several mechanisms could be involved in vasculitis associated with infections Pagnoux et al 2006;Rodriguez-Pla and Stone 2006;Millikan and Flynn 1999;Witort-Serraglini et al 1999;Tervaert et al 1999;Manders et al 1998 (Gocke et al 1970;Trepo and Guillevin 2001). The manifestations differ considerably, from diffuse small vessel vasculitis predominantly in the skin to larger vessel lesions typical of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) (Fig.…”