Cytoplasmic-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies targeting myeloperoxidase in Wegener′s granulomatosis: A rare phenomenon

• Main Authors: Bhavana M Venkatesh, Sangeeta Joshi, Ranjeeta Adhikary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology
• Subjects: Cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies; immunofluorescence; myeloperoxidase; Wegener′s granulomatosis
• Online Access: http://www.ijpmonline.org/article.asp?issn=0377-4929;year=2014;volume=57;issue=3;spage=470;epage=472;aulast=Venkatesh

Wegener′s granulomatosis (WG) patients can rarely have antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) directed against myeloperoxidase (MPO), producing a cytoplasmic pattern on indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). This has important implications in the diagnosis and pathophysiology of the disease. We present to you a report of three cases of WG, demonstrating a cytoplasmic-ANCA pattern on indirect IIF, but directed against MPO. It is necessary to diagnose a patient taking into account both the autoimmune test results and the clinical features.