The cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis syndrome developing with isolated ear symptom

Abstract

We treated 3783 patients who had acute otitis media and mastoiditis from April 1997 to May 2007. In those patients, we had encountered five cases with intractable otitis media caused by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis syndrome. The major symptoms of ANCA-associated vasculitis syndrome were interstitial pneumonia, subacute glomerulonephritis and upper respiratory symptoms. On the other hand, the initiation of treatment was often delayed in the patients who had no symptoms such as the above, because it was difficult to make the definite diagnosis. As the earlier treatment is likely to achieve better prognosis in terms of hearing, the early detection is crucial. We reported the cases treated in our department and consider the important points for early initiation of treatment.