Key result
High-dose corticosteroids, rituximab, and avacopan markedly improve GPA complicated by alveolar hemorrhage and mitral rupture.
Why the study?
Cardiac complications involving valvular or subvalvular structures in granulomatosis with polyangiitis are rare and not well characterized.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights a rare cardiopulmonary manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis involving mitral valve chordal rupture, which was successfully managed with early immunosuppressive therapy.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis that typically affects the upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys. Cardiac complications, particularly those involving the valvular or subvalvular structures, are rare. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman with known anti-proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive GPA who developed a severe disease flare characterized by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) and mitral valve insufficiency due to chordae tendineae rupture. The diagnosis was confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography demonstrating ground-glass opacities consistent with DAH, markedly elevated PR3-ANCA titers, and echocardiography showing severe mitral regurgitation with ruptured chordae. She was treated with high-dose corticosteroids, rituximab, and avacopan, which resulted in marked clinical and radiological improvements. This case highlights the need for increased awareness of rare GPA manifestations, importance of multidisciplinary evaluation, and potential benefits of early immunosuppressive therapy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fadel et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) complicated by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and mitral valve chordal rupture (n=1). High-dose corticosteroids, rituximab, and avacopan was evaluated on Clinical and radiological improvements. High-dose corticosteroids, rituximab, and avacopan resulted in marked clinical and radiological improvements in a patient with GPA complicated by alveolar hemorrhage and mitral valve rupture.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:
More from Cureus