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Relationship between vasculitis and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a correlation without causation
  1. David Charles Henderson1,2 and
  2. Gabrielle Barringer1,3
  1. 1Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
  2. 2Family Medicine, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
  3. 3Mercy Health St. Mary's Family Medicine Residency, Trinity Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Gabrielle Barringer; barrin41{at}msu.edu

Abstract

We report a novel case of a patient who presented with new diagnoses of both cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCAs) positive vasculitis and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The patient was a 79-year-old man who presented with melena, haemoptysis, acute hypoxia and acute kidney injury. In the current literature, there are rare associations of c-ANCA vasculitis and malignancy, but very few, if any, relating c-ANCA vasculitis and CLL. This case is unique due to the presence of both pathologies and an uncommon presentation of the vasculitis. He presented with renal and pulmonary findings, unlike the dermal manifestations commonly seen with vasculitis. We think that this could be an easily overlooked combination of diseases and, therefore, the purpose of this case is to prevent delays in care that could affect patient outcomes and also to encourage further research into the relationship between these diseases.

  • immunology
  • renal medicine
  • oncology
  • vasculitis

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Footnotes

  • Contributors This work represents the participation of both GB and DCH, and no other individual contributed to this manuscript development in an appreciable way.

  • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Patient consent for publication Obtained.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer-reviewed.