Abstract in Portuguese:

A vasculite necrosante foi descrita em 1866 e seu espectro é muito amplo, uma vez que acomete vasos arteriais e venosos de todos os calibres e de vários órgãos, apresenta diversos tipos de infiltrados inflamatórios, tem um significante número de manifestações clínicas e pode ter ou não fatores desencadeantes identificáveis. A sempre controversa classificação das vasculites mudou radicalmente com a descoberta dos anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos em 1982, contemplando atualmente a doença de Goodpasture, as vasculites associadas aos anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos, as vasculites por imunocomplexos e outros tipos de vasculites. As evidências de que os anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos estão envolvidos na patogênese destas lesões trouxeram avanços consideráveis para o seu diagnóstico e tratamento. Granulomatose de Wegener, doença de Churg-Strauss e poliangeíte microscópica, todas vasculites associadas aos anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos, são as vasculites sistêmicas que mais acometem os pulmões. Suas manifestações clínicas comuns são tosse, hemorragia alveolar difusa ou asma de difícil controle. Na arterite de Takayasu, na doença de Behçet, na púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein e nas vasculites associadas às doenças do colágeno o acometimento pulmonar é mais raro. Em todos os casos há evidências de serem processos de origem imunológica e com base neste princípio são propostas as abordagens terapêuticas.

Abstract in English:

Necrotizing vasculitis was first described in 1866. The condition encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms, affecting arterial blood vessels of various calibers and in various organs. In addition, it is associated with many types of inflammatory infiltrate, and presents a significant number of clinical manifestations. The causative factor or factors may or may not be identifiable. The eternally controversial classification of the various forms of vasculitis changed radically after the discovery of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in 1982, and current classifications include Goodpasture's syndrome, forms of vasculitis related to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, forms caused by immune complexes and other forms. The evidence that antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of such conditions led to considerable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis. Wegener's granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome and microscopic polyangiitis, all forms of vasculitis that have been associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, are the systemic forms that most affect the lungs. The most common presentation of such forms is characterized by cough, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage or difficult-to-control asthma. In Takayasu's arteritis, Behçet's disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, as well as in forms of vasculitis related to collagen diseases, pulmonary involvement is less common. In all forms of vasculitis, there is evidence that immune system processes are involved. It is based on this knowledge that new therapeutic approaches are proposed.

Abstract in Portuguese:

As vasculites pulmonares primárias são caracterizadas por processo inflamatório na parede dos vasos pulmonares que leva a isquemia e hemorragia pulmonar com as conseqüentes expressões clínicas e radiológicas. As vasculites pulmonares primárias são acompanhadas de expressão sistêmicas cutâneas, em nervos periféricos, rins, seios da face, olhos e ouvidos, além do trato gastrintestinal, e sistemas cardíaco e nervoso central. O diagnóstico é feito através da associação das informações clínicas, radiológicas e anatomopatológicas. O tratamento com corticosteróides e imunossupressores deve ser instituído precocemente e apresenta altas taxas de remissão.

Abstract in English:

The primary forms of pulmonary vasculitis are characterized by an inflammatory process in the pulmonary vessel walls, leading to pulmonary ischemia and hemorrhage and the consequent clinical and radiological manifestations. These forms of vasculitis are accompanied by symptoms involving the skin, peripheral nerves, kidneys, sinuses, eyes, ears and gastrointestinal tract, as well as the cardiac and central nervous systems. The diagnosis is made through analysis of the clinical, radiological and pathological data. When treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy is initiated early, remission rates are high.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A apresentação anatomopatológica das vasculites pulmonares inclui um processo inflamatório da parede dos vasos pulmonares que pode vir acompanhado de granulomas, células gigantes, eosinófilos, necrose e hemorragia pulmonar. O conhecimento dessas manifestações, em associação com o tipo de vaso acometido e reações de imunofluorescência auxiliam no diagnóstico diferencial das vasculites.

Abstract in English:

The pathological manifestations of pulmonary vasculitis include an inflammatory process in the pulmonary vessel walls, which is often accompanied by granulomas, giant cells, eosinophils, necrosis or pulmonary hemorrhage. Knowledge of these presentations, as well as of the type of vessels affected and of immunofluorescence reactions, can aid in making the differential diagnosis among the various forms of vasculitis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A descoberta do marcador sorológico denominado anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos revolucionou o diagnóstico e o seguimento das vasculites pulmonares, especialmente da granulomatose de Wegener. Seu padrão pode ser citoplasmático e perinuclear. Sua titulação auxilia no diagnóstico e no seguimento das vasculites pulmonares.

Abstract in English:

The discovery of the serological markers known as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies revolutionized the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of the various forms of pulmonary vasculitis, especially that of Wegener's granulomatosis. The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies pattern can be cytoplasmic or perinuclear. Determination of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies titers aids the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of pulmonary vasculitis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A granulomatose de Wegener caracteriza-se por vasculite necrosante granulomatosa que acomete preferencialmente vias aéreas superiores, inferiores e rins. Seu diagnóstico é feito associando-se as manifestações clínicas, radiológicas (multiplos nódulos escavados) e os achados anatomopatológicos e o anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos positivo. O tratamento com corticosteróides e ciclofosfamida leva a 90% de remissão da doença em 1 ano.

Abstract in English:

Wegener's granulomatosis is characterized by granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis that primarily affects the airways (upper and lower) and the kidneys. The diagnosis is made by analyzing the clinical and radiological manifestations (multiple pulmonary cavitations), together with the pathological findings and results of the test for cytoplasmic-pattern antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Treatment consists of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide and leads to remission of the disease within one year in 90% of cases.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A síndrome de Churg-Strauss caracteriza-se por asma, eosinofilia e graus variados de vasculite sistêmica. As formas mais graves com acometimento cardíaco, gastrintestinal, sistema nervoso central e renal requerem ciclofosfamida para seu tratamento.

Abstract in English:

Churg-Strauss syndrome is characterized by asthma, eosinophilia and various degrees of systemic vasculitis. The most severe forms of the disease, presenting cardiac, gastrointestinal, central nervous system and renal involvement, require cyclophosphamide therapy.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A poliangeíte microscópica, a arterite de Takayasu, a síndrome de Behçet, a púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein e as vasculites associadas às doenças do colágeno incluem-se entre as vasculites pulmonares. Seu diagnóstico é realizado associando-se as manifestações clínicas aos achados radiológicos e anatomopatológicos.

Abstract in English:

Among the various forms of pulmonary vasculitis are microscopic polyangiitis, Takayasu's arteritis, Behçet's syndrome and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, as well as those forms related to rheumatologic diseases. The diagnosis is made through analysis of clinical manifestations, together with radiological and pathological findings.

Abstract in Portuguese:

As síndromes hemorrágicas pulmonares caracterizam-se por infiltrado pulmonar bilateral, queda dos níveis de hemoglobina e hipoxemia. Dentre as causas de sangramento estão as infecções, vasculites, coagulopatias e doenças do colágeno. A terapêutica consiste do tratamento da doença causal e suporte ventilatório, podendo ser associada a plasmaferese.

Abstract in English:

Pulmonary hemorrhage syndromes are characterized by bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, decreased serum levels of hemoglobin, and hypoxemia. The causes of pulmonary hemorrhage include: infections, vasculitis, coagulopathies and collagen diseases. The therapy consists of treating the underlying disease and providing ventilatory support. In some cases, performing plasmapheresis can be beneficial.