Federica Davanzo

Dr. Federica Davanzo

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 March 2024 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LILuca Iorio
Luca Iorio
Marco Pizzi, MD PhDMarco Pizzi, MD PhD
Marco Pizzi, MD PhD
Daiane CecchinDaiane Cecchin
Daiane Cecchin
FDFederica Davanzo
Federica Davanzo
AGAnna Ghirardello
Anna Ghirardello
RPRoberto Padoan
Roberto Padoan
Background: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterised by granulomatous inflammation and small-to-medium vessel necrotising vasculitis, mainly affecting respiratory tract and kidneys. Renal involvement presenting as tumour-like lesions poses diagnostic and treatment challenges. Methods: Following the observation of a GPA patient presenting with multiple renal tumour-like lesions, we conducted a systematic literature review on MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Data gathered from the literature were analysed to summarise the diagnostic approach, management, and outcome of renal GPA-related tumour-like lesions. Results: a 49-year-old female presented with persistent constitutional symptoms and multiple bilateral renal lesions. Renal biopsy showed chronic interstitial inflammation with necrotising granulomas. Laboratory tests disclosed positive anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) leading to a final diagnosis of GPA. She was effectively treated with high-dose glucocorticoids and rituximab. Literature search yielded 41 articles, concerning 42 GPA patients with renal masses, presenting bilaterally in 23.8% of the cases. Positive PR3-ANCA was observed in 86.5% of the cases. Half of 42 patients showed kidney abnormalities. Treatment with glucocorticoids (83.3%) and immunosuppressive agents (80.9%) resulted in an overall good remission rate and favourable prognosis. Conclusions: GPA should be considered in the differential diagnoses of kidney tumour-like lesions. The diagnosis is challenging, and histological examination greatly contributes to the diagnostic work-up.