Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis that predominantly affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the kidneys. Although otolaryngological manifestations are common, isolated otologic symptoms as the initial presentation are rare and may delay diagnosis....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Audiologists encountering unexplained ear symptoms combined with facial nerve palsy should consider GPA in the differential diagnosis and refer promptly for systemic evaluation.
GPA presenting first with otologic signs is easily missed; this case highlights a rare but important diagnostic pitfall for audiologists and ENT clinicians.
- 01GPA (granulomatosis with polyangiitis) is an ANCA-associated vasculitis that can initially mimic common ear disorders.
- 02Otologic symptoms and peripheral facial nerve palsy were the presenting features before systemic GPA was identified.
- 03Early recognition of atypical ear and facial nerve findings may expedite life-altering systemic diagnosis.
- 04Case report level evidence — findings should be interpreted cautiously and not generalized broadly.
- 05Highlights importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between audiology, ENT, and rheumatology.
Otologic manifestations and peripheral facial nerve palsy can be the initial presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42763551
- DOI
- 10.7759/cureus.114821.
- Journal
- Cureus
- Publication type
- case_report
- Evidence level
- 4
- Sample size
- 1
- Population
- Individual patient presenting with otologic symptoms and facial nerve palsy later diagnosed with GPA
- Intervention
- Diagnostic workup for otologic manifestations and facial nerve palsy in the context of GPA
Primary outcomes
Characterization of otologic and facial nerve presentations as initial GPA symptoms; Diagnostic pathway and outcomes