Cervical myelopathy as an atypical presentation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in a patient affected by silicosis: a case report and literature overview

We describe the case of a 73-year-old man affected by pneumoconiosis, secondary to silica dust exposure, who was diagnosed with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)-related cervical myelitis. Pneumoconiosis is reported to trigger autoantibody production and the onset of different autoimmune diseases, including ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). MPA is an AAV of the small vessels that can often affect the nervous system, although involvement of the spinal cord in the form of myelitis is described as an anecdotal occurrence. Our experience suggests that an autoimmunity workup should be considered for patients with pneumoconiosis who present with neurological symptoms consistent with AAV.