References and sites I have found useful.  I hope these help.

 

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/4100/4136.asp

http://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org/types-vasculitis/microscopic-polyangiitis/

http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/microscopicpolyangiitis

On October 16, 2008, a very special person in my life succumbed to MPA.  My Grandmother was initially diagnosed in June 2008 with the rare disease and rapidly her health declined.  Before June, I had never heard of the disease or the damage it can inflict on individuals.  The course varies for everyone but in my Grandmother's case, she initially had bleeding in her lungs followed by renal failure requiring dialysis.  Interestingly, there is no clear trigger for the onset of symptoms and most who receive this diagnosis overcome the disease.  As with everything, I learned most about the disease from the internet but I want others going through similar situations to have a place to discuss their experiences.