Living with Microscopic polyangiitis
A condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect organs such as the kidneys, lungs, nerves, skin, and joints.
Understanding Microscopic polyangiitis
The kidneys, lungs, nerves, skin, and joints are the most commonly affected areas. MPA is diagnosed in people of all ages, all ethnicities, and both sexes. It may begin in childhood or adulthood. GARD says the cause is unknown.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)
- Blood in the urine
- Coughing up blood
- Fever and fatigue
- Joint pain and abdominal pain
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, brain and nervous system specialists, kidney specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute and Vasculitis Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Kidney specialists (nephrologists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute, Vasculitis Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause of this disorder is unknown.
Also known as: micropolyangiitis; microscopic polyarteritis; mpa; mpa - microscopic polyangiitis
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationMicroscopic polyangiitis · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteMicroscopic polyangiitis · United States
- Vasculitis FoundationMicroscopic polyangiitis · United States
- The Lauren Currie Twilight FoundationMicroscopic polyangiitis · National Kidney Foundation
- Renal Support NetworkKidney diseases · United States
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Microscopic polyangiitis.
Explore research for Microscopic polyangiitis
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