Retrospective evaluation of clinical findings of ANCA-associated vasculitides

ANCA-associated vasculitides are divided into three subtypes: Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), Granulomatosis Polyangiitis (GPA), and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis Polyangiitis (EGPA). In the diagnosis of ANCA-related vasculitides: clinical findings, imaging methods, basic/non-specific laboratory tests, more specific tests such as ANCA, and biopsy of the affected organ may be needed. In ANCA-related vasculitis, disease activity (BVAS), prognosis determination (R-FFS), extent of the disease in the body (DEI), and degree of damage caused by the disease (VDI) are indicated by scoring indices. The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) according to the 1990 ACR classification criteria, using currently accepted scoring systems and treatment choices. Our study was conducted by retrospectively examining the files of patients diagnosed with AAV between 2001 and 2023. Having at least six months of follow-up as a result of file scanning; A total of 51 AAV patients were detected, including 33 GPA, 10 EGPA, 8 MPA. It was observed that AAVs were more common in men and the age of diagnosis was in the 5th decade. C-ANCA positivity was more common in GPA patients, and p-ANCA positivity was more common in MPA patients. It was observed that the most common symptom in AAV patients and AAV subtypes was cough, and the most frequently affected system was the lower respiratory tract. Disease scales used in AAV patients were evaluated. Disease scales and disease involvement of patients who received rituximab treatment as remission induction at diagnosis and at relapse were examined separately. AAVs are a group of diseases that show multisystemic involvement and can have a serious course. It is important to recognize these diseases well and keep them in mind in differential diagnosis. Early treatment of patients is important in preventing mortality and morbidity. Key Words: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV), Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scores (BVAS), Revised Five Factor Score (R-FFS), Disease extend index (DEI), Vasculitis damage index (VDI).