# Case report: Testicular manifestation of ANCA vasculitis

**Authors:** Noah J. Sandel, Henry Wielzen

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2025.102966 · Urology Case Reports · 2025-01-30

## TL;DR

A rare case of testicular inflammation caused by ANCA vasculitis was mistaken for cancer, highlighting the need for better awareness to avoid unnecessary surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights testicular involvement in ANCA vasculitis, which can mimic cancer and lead to unnecessary surgery.

## Key findings

- Testicular pain in a patient with ANCA vasculitis was initially suspected to be malignancy.
- Surgical removal revealed inflammation consistent with vasculitis, not cancer.
- Increased awareness of this rare manifestation may prevent unnecessary procedures.

## Abstract

ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting small to medium-sized vessels, often targeting the respiratory tract and kidneys. Testicular involvement is rare and can resemble malignancy, leading to unnecessary surgery. A 36-year-old male presented with painful fingers, oral and nasal ulcers, and knee arthritis. Elevated proteinase 3 (PR3) antibodies confirmed PR3 ANCA-associated vasculitis. During hospitalization, patient developed testicular pain, and an ultrasound raised suspicion of malignancy. An inguinal orchidectomy was performed, revealing inflammation consistent with vasculitis, but no malignancy. Testicular involvement in ANCA vasculitis can mimic cancer, and increased awareness may help prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** PRTN3 (proteinase 3) [NCBI Gene 5657] {aka ACPA, AGP7, C-ANCA, CANCA, MBN, MBT}
- **Diseases:** inflammation (MESH:D007249), painful fingers (MESH:D010146), autoimmune disorder (MESH:D001327), cancer (MESH:D009369), oral and nasal ulcers (MESH:D019226), ANCA vasculitis (MESH:D056648), vasculitis (MESH:D014657), knee arthritis (MESH:D001168)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

8 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11840479/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11840479