Microscopic polyangiitis

13 years after its recognition and 91 years as a shadow of polyarteritis nodosa

Abstract

Objectives: 1) Identification of the main aspects in the historical development of the microscopic polyangeitis (PAM). 2) Description of all the details related to the main aspects of pathology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of PAM. 3) To contribute with the clinician in the knowledge related to vasculitis as part of the orientation in the differential diagnosis.

Material and methods: systematic review of the literature from 1900 to 2007 through Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, Science direct, SpringerLink, Blackwell Synergy, MD Consult, ProQuest, Highwire , library and journals of the National University of Colombia.

Results: 544 articles related to PAM were found, of which we selected those in English and German with emphasis in medical historical reviews, relevant clinical trials, controlled randomized trials and revisions in general. Likewise 5468 articles associated to poliarteritis nodosa were found (PAN), of which we only included those of historical relevant. Information that could be interesting for the main medical associations was included. At the end a total of 79 bibliographic sources remained. Some of the initial descriptions were not included due to unclear information that could lead to confusions with regards to the objectives initially described.

Conclusions: the information obtained helps in clarifying that the PAM had already been looked at by many authors and for a long time. Only with the scientific skills and the technological advances was it possible to establish its characteristics and differences with PAN. The initial data are centered in Europe, however, the Asian literature of the last 10 years contributes with important information about its physiopathology and even clinical varieties unknown in may parts of the world. This helps to explain many pathologies of non well established etiology.