Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) - Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms and Signs

A patient with MPA may suffer general symptoms or symptoms localized to the kidney, lungs, digestive tract, nerves, skin or heart.

The patient may show initial symptoms of fever, muscle pains and weight loss. The kidneys and lungs are usually affected. Nerves, digestive tract and skin may also be involved.

• The patient may develop kidney damage that could progress to kidney failure.
• He/ She may show symptoms of lung disease like cough and breathlessness. He / She may also cough up of blood due to bleeding in the lung sacs.
• He/ She may suffer from abdominal pain, bleeding or perforation in the digestive tract.

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• He / She may also experience chest pain if the heart is affected, which could progress to heart failure.
• Bleeding spots or nodules may be observed just below the skin. Skin ulcers and lacy discoloration of the skin called livedo reticularis may also be seen.
• Nerves may be inflamed leading to a condition called mononeuritis multiplex.
• The patient may die due to lung bleeding, digestive tract, heart or kidney complications.