Association of ANCA-associated vasculitis-rheumatoid arthritis overlap syndrome in four patients: Rituximab may be the right choice?

Abstract

To our knowledge, this is the first report on RA+CSS association. Common pathogenic background, such as genetic predisposition and ANCA may account for the development of RA+vasculitis overlaps. In DMARD-refractory cases, such as the ones presented here, biologics, especially rituximab may be highly effective.