Hydralazine-Induced Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a disease that typically presents with multiorgan involvement. It can be idiopathic and at times drug-induced. Drugs that have been reported to cause AAV include propylthiouracil, minocycline, allopurinol, hydralazine, as in our case here, and many others. Other than stopping the offending agent, guidelines regarding treating drug-induced vasculitis (DIV) remain unclear. We present to you a case of hydralazine-induced vasculitis causing severe respiratory failure due to pulmonary hemorrhage, purpuric rash, and possible renal disease although not confirmed by biopsy. Our patient was successfully treated with rituximab and plasma exchange. This disease can be life-threatening, and aggressive treatment may be warranted at times.