Gastrointestinal involvement at the onset of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report

Abstract

A 30-year-old man had developed fever, bloody stools, and oral aphtha. Proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody level was 31 EU. Lower intestinal endoscopy revealed edematous mucosa with hemorrhage in the transverse colon. Biopsies of oral aphtha showed necrotizing angiitis with granuloma. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Digestive symptoms were remitted by treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine. GPA with digestive symptoms as the initial development is rare.

Keywords:

• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• Oral intestinal symptoms
• Azathioprine
• PR3-ANCA
• Primary manifestation

Conflict of interest

None.