Onset of ANCA-positive EGPA with bilateral pleural effusion: a case report

Abstract

Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a multisystemic, immune-mediated disease that occurs in patients with asthma and eosinophilia. It is characterized by inflammation of small- and medium-caliber blood vessels.

Case report: This report presents an unusual clinical case of EGPA with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies who manifested bilateral pleural effusion. The diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory assessments and bronchial biopsies. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone showing improvement in symptoms.

Conclusions: Our case appear interesting considering the limited evidence of pleural effusion in patients with EGPA documented in the literature.

Keywords: ANCA; EGPA; inflammation; pleural effusion; vasculitis.