ECMO Rescues Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Related to GPA

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a subtype of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with a wide range of clinical symptoms related to the systemic involvement of small blood vessels. The respiratory system is one of the most frequently involved, and life-threatening acute respiratory failure could occur due to diffusive alveolar hemorrhage and tracheal stenosis. When maximum mechanical ventilation is unable to maintain oxygenation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) should be considered as the final respiratory supportive method, if available. Here we present a 32-year-old male patient with acute respiratory failure (ARF) related to GPA, who was rescued by winning time for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Additionally, we reviewed more than 60 GPA-related ARF cases on multiple online databases, summarized the clinical manifestations of these patients, and concluded that ECMO plays an important role in further respiratory support for ARF patients with GPA and assists in accurate and timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, thus helping them recuperate.

Rare cause of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and subconjunctival haemorrhage rescued by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and rituximab

“…Lung lesions are an important feature of AAV 2. ANCA-positive pulmonary capillaritis complicated by diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a potentially fatal situation for which extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can facilitate improved outcomes and potential cure 3 4. Here, we show a case of a young man, admitted with catastrophic DAH and subconjunctival haemorrhage caused by underlying AAV who ultimately required ECMO.…”