ANCA-associated vasculitis and interstitial lung disease

The association between ANCA-associated vasculitis and interstitial lung disease is already well established. Pulmonary fibrosis may coexist, before, during or after the diagnosis of vasculitis, adversely affecting the patient's prognosis. In this retrospective cohort study, Italian researchers included patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and interstitial lung disease, with or without associated renal failure. Of the 14 patients included, the researchers observed a significant association between antibody levels assessed at the time of pneumopathy diagnosis and renal function impairment. Renal failure was marked by subclinical or slowly progressing renal lesions.