Infection-induced Myeloperoxidase Specific Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (MPO-ANCA) Associated Vasculitis: A Systematic Review

Background: We conducted a systematic review to identify cases of infection-induced anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods: PubMed/Medline databases were searched from inception to July of 2020, according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Among the 618 abstracts identified, 18 articles describing 23 patients (60.9% female, mean age 50.5 years) were included. Median time between infection and vasculitis development was 3 months. Five (21.7%) patients expired during follow-up. Vasculitis regressed after the resolution of infection in 12/23 (52.2%). ANCA titers decreased significantly on follow-up in 14/16 patients and in all survivors in which they were measured. Pathogens reported included Mycobacterium spp., Coccidioides spp., Rickettsia rickettsii, Staphylococcus spp., EBV, CMV and Dengue virus.

Conclusions: MPO-AAV can occur after infection and may regress after its resolution. Infection should be considered in cases of MPO-AAV, as immunosuppressive treatment can have catastrophic results if the infection is not adequately treated.