This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Personal Article Archive Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Jamison, S. C. Articles by de Boisblanc, B. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Jamison, S. C. Articles by de Boisblanc, B.

A Case of Precocious Emphysema and Lung Cancer in a Woman With a History of Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis^*

^* From Carilion Health Systems (Drs. Jamison and Sweet), Roanoke, VA; and Louisiana State University (Dr. Brierre), Baton Rouge, LA; and Louisiana State University (Dr. de Boisblanc), New Orleans, LA.

Correspondence to: Suzanna C. Jamison, MD, Carilion Health Systems, PO Box 13667, Roanoke, VA 24033; e-mail: sjamison{at}carilion.com

Severe emphysema developed in a white woman with a 26–pack-year history of tobacco use. Serum ₁-antitrypsin levels were normal. A history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, angioedema, low complement, and recurrent urticaria prompted an immunologic workup that ultimately led to a diagnosis of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. Treatment with oral prednisone and inhaled bronchodilators improved symptoms, but 4 months after diagnosis non-small cell lung cancer was discovered and she ultimately died. Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis is an uncommon cause of precocious emphysema and has not previously been reported in a patient with bronchogenic carcinoma.

Key Words: bronchogenic carcinoma • hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis • non-small cell lung cancer