Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) encompasses a group of potentially life-threatening disorders characterized by necrotizing small vessel vasculitis with positive serum ANCA. To date, the pathogenesis of AAV has not ...

One of the most commonly reported substances associated with the occurrence of AAV is silica.

The role of silica is further supported by the increasing frequency of AAV observed following 3 large earthquakes in Asia.

Silica-induced apoptosis of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes might act as a trigger of AAV, notably MPO-ANCA-positive MPA.