ANCA-associated vasculitis with abdominal aortic aneurysm : Case report and literature review

Introduction ANCA-associated vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that usually involves the small vessel walls. It is difficult to find the presence of ANCA-associated vasculitis in the great arteries, especially the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Methods This is an 86-year-old Chinese man with ANCA-associated vasculitis and abdominal aortic aneurysm who presented with epigastric pain. Considering his age and physical condition, the patient was treated with methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil instead of surgery. Results The patient’s epigastric pain symptoms were relieved after 2 months of conservative treatment. Imaging at follow-up 2 years later showed signs of aneurysm enlargement because of irregular medication. Conclusions Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis combined with aortic aneurysm often require surgical management. But for patients with stable disease and poor physical conditions, conservative treatment is also an effective treatment method, which can bring benefits to the patient’s survival.