Sulfasalazine pulmonary toxicity in ulcerative colitis mimicking clinical features of Wegener's granulomatosis

Chest. 1996 Aug;110(2):556-9. doi: 10.1378/chest.110.2.556.

Abstract

The centrally accentuated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (c-ANCA) is widely regarded as a sensitive and specific marker for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). There are increasing reports, however, of false-positive c-ANCAs, usually in the setting of other vasculidities. We report a case of a 27-year-old man with ulcerative colitis who developed pulmonary symptoms, peripheral nodular lung infiltrates, and an elevated c-ANCA suggesting WG. Chest CT and open lung biopsy specimens were consistent with WG. The symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates resolved after discontinuation of sulfasalazine therapy. The c-ANCA remained elevated due to the occurrence of false-positive values in ulcerative colitis. We conclude sulfasalazine toxicity can mimic clinical aspects of WG and that c-ANCA testing should be interpreted with caution in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / diagnosis*
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Sulfasalazine / adverse effects*
  • Sulfasalazine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Autoantibodies
  • Sulfasalazine