Refractory mastoiditis as the initial manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis:a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Refractory mastoiditis as the initial manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis:a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Xinying Cui

  • Chunchao Wang

  • Jingchun Jin

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Initial Presentation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Background

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is an ANCA-associated vasculitis that primarily affects the respiratory tract and kidneys. Otologic symptoms are common, yet isolated destructive mastoiditis as an initial manifestation is rare, often resulting in misdiagnosis.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The patient initially presented with bilateral hearing loss and otorrhea, misdiagnosed as acute mastoiditis.
  • Despite surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition did not improve.
  • Serological testing revealed elevated PR3-ANCA levels, confirming the diagnosis of GPA.
  • Post-initiation of rituximab therapy, the patient's ear symptoms and PR3-ANCA titers improved significantly.
  • Otolaryngologists should consider systemic vasculitides in cases of refractory mastoiditis.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for systemic vasculitides in patients with refractory mastoiditis. Early ANCA testing can facilitate timely diagnosis.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of GPA to avoid diagnostic delays.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis initially presenting as secretory otitis media: a case report
  2. Infection, 2022 -- Ureaplasma parvum-Induced Brain Abscess in a Patient Diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
  3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Identification of Aerococcus viridans in granulomatous mastitis utilizing nanopore targeted sequencing: case report and short literature review
  4. Clinical Rheumatology, 2025 -- Utilizing Whole Exome Sequencing to Discover Rare Genetic Variants Associated with Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis
  5. KDOQI Provides U.S. Clinical Perspective on KDIGO 2024 Guideline for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis | National Kidney Foundation
  6. KDIGO 2024 ANCA Vasculitis Guideline
  7. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting as isolated ear involvement: a case series and literature review
  8. KDOQI Provides U.S. Clinical Perspective on KDIGO 2024 Guideline for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis | National Kidney Foundation
  9. https://kdigo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KDIGO-2024-ANCA-Vasculitis-Guideline.pdf
  10. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting as isolated ear involvement: a case series and literature review - PMC

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