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Microscopic polyangiitis

Evidence: Antibody

Names

Microscopic polyangiitis
MPA

Description

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a disorder that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. The inflammation can affect many of the body’s organ systems including the kidneys, nervous system, skin, lungs, etc. Microscopic polyangiitis is believed to be autoimmune because the development of the disease is thought to come from an overreaction in the immune system that causes inflammation in the body’s tissues and blood vessels. The disease can be confused with others such as polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis (CLA). However, in 1994, The Chapel Hill Consensus Conference defined MPA as a separate disorder. 

Prevalence

US Cases: 19,000 - 41,000 [Mohammad 2007]

Typical Age of onset

MPA can affect any individual at any age. The typical MPA patient is a middle-aged white male or female.

Symptoms

  • Skin rash

  • Cough

  • Problems with breathing 

  • Spitting up blood

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Pain in abdomen 

  • General pain

  • Weakness

  • Seizures

  • Pain in muscles

  • Pins and needles sensation

  • Loss of sensation

  • Fever

  • Weight loss