When your immune system turns against your own blood vessels, it can trigger ANCA vasculitis, a group of rare autoimmune disorders where antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies attack small blood vessels, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Also known as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, this condition doesn’t just cause rashes—it can damage kidneys, lungs, nerves, and even your sinuses if left unchecked. It’s not one disease but a cluster of related illnesses, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, all tied to the same abnormal immune response.
What makes ANCA vasculitis tricky is how it hides. Early signs look like the flu—fatigue, fever, joint pain. Then comes sinus congestion that won’t quit, unexplained nosebleeds, or coughing up blood. Some people develop kidney problems without any pain, while others notice numbness or tingling from nerve damage. The real danger? By the time symptoms are obvious, organs may already be harmed. That’s why doctors test for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, autoantibodies that target white blood cells and trigger vessel inflammation in blood samples. A positive ANCA test doesn’t confirm the diagnosis alone, but it’s a critical clue when paired with symptoms and imaging.
Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most patients start with steroids like prednisone to calm the immune system, then add stronger drugs like cyclophosphamide or rituximab to stop the attack long-term. Some newer therapies target specific immune pathways, reducing side effects. But even with treatment, relapses happen. That’s why monitoring bloodwork and staying alert to new symptoms matters more than ever. And while no cure exists, many people live full lives once the disease is under control—especially when caught early.
You’ll find real-world insights here: how medications like corticosteroids impact long-term health, why some patients develop kidney failure despite treatment, and what alternatives exist when first-line drugs fail. We cover drug interactions, side effect management, and how conditions like lupus or tuberculosis can mimic or complicate ANCA vasculitis. This isn’t theory—it’s what patients and doctors actually deal with every day.
Vasculitis is a rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels, leading to organ damage if untreated. Learn about types, symptoms, diagnosis, and modern treatments-including steroid-sparing drugs like avacopan.