Korean J Nephrol.  2008 Jul;27(4):476-480.

A Case of Sub-acute Bacterial Endocarditis associated with a Positive ANCA Serology

• Choi JH
• Jung DE
• Ryu HS
• Kim HJ
• Lee YM
• Lee JH
• Lee JE
• Shin JH
• Song JH
• Ahn SH

Abstract

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) directed against either proteinase-3 or myeloperoxidase are associated with a limited group of small vessel vasculitic syndromes. C-ANCA is regarded as highly specific for idiopathic ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, C-ANCA is not specific for Wegeners granulomatosis and has been reported in the course of a variety of infectious conditions. Sub-acute bacterial endocarditis is a notable concern because it may be associated with C-ANCA. The misdiagnosis of bacterial endocarditis as AAV and the administration of immunosuppressive treatment could aggravate the infection. We describe a patient with sub-acute bacterial endocarditis who presented with features mimicking vasculitis and positive C-ANCA by indirect immunofluorescence and for anti-PR3 antibodies by antigen-specific ELISA.

Keyword

Sub-acute bacterial endocarditis; ANCA; Vasculitis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Antibodies
Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
Cytoplasm
Diagnostic Errors
Endocarditis, Bacterial
Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
Glycosaminoglycans
Humans
Peroxidase
Vasculitis
Antibodies
Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
Glycosaminoglycans
Peroxidase