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.
Patient Groups
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
