When Weakness is lore Than Beconcfifioning; ANCA-Associaled Small-Vessel Wascuiilis

摘要

Vasculitis, including the antineutrohil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated small-vessel vasculitides, can present in older adults. Given the nonspecific symptoms, such as weakness and weight loss, these diseases can easily be overlooked as natural effects of aging or attributed to other conditions in older patients. ANCA-associated vasculitis is believed to be a rare condition, but its true incidence is not known. Some studies have estimated 20 cases per million per year among elderly persons,1-2 but some indicate that the incidence is increasing because of improved diagnostic modalities.3 This article reviews ANCA-associated vasculitides and provides a case study that highlights the importance of swiftly diagnosing the condition in an older adult.