Wegener's granulomatosis: current trends in diagnosis and management

Abstract

Wegener's granulomatosis is an idiopathic, systemic vasculitis characterized by the formation of necrotizing granulomas of the respiratory tract in addition to focal or proliferative glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis is made by a combination of physical examination, laboratory studies and tissue biopsy. Head and neck manifestations are abundant and varied; common sites of involvement include the middle ear, nose and sinuses and subglottis. The mainstay of treatment remains systemic therapy using a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. The otolaryngologist plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck complications of the disease. A surgical role exists for the management of nasal and sinus disease as well as laryngeal and tracheal disease.

Estenosis subglótica y granulomatosis con poliangeítis (Wegener) en dos casos: Report of two cases

“…Se caracteriza por la producción de granulomas necrotizantes y vasculitis necrotizante. Tiene una amplia gama de presentaciones que van desde una enfermedad limitada a los senos paranasales hasta una enfermedad multisistémica con falla orgánica potencialmente fatal [2][3][4] .…”

“…Tel 5411 43096400 Fax 5411 43043393 pabloyoung2003@yahoo.com.ar L a enfermedad de Wegener o granulomatosis con poliangeítis (GPA), como se la denomina actualmente, se caracteriza por vasculitis granulomatosa de vías aéreas superiores, inferiores y riñón [1][2][3][4][5] . Compromete el tracto respiratorio inferior produciendo estenosis traqueal sub-glótica (ESG) que se presenta en promedio en 22% de los pacientes [6][7][8][9] .…”

Limited Wegener’s Granulomatosis with Predominant Otological Presentation

“…Medical treatment is induction with cyclophosphamide and steroids [5]. Remission management is with Azathioprine.…”

Autoimmune Dysfunction and Subsequent Renal Insufficiency in a Collegiate Female Athlete: A Case Report

“…The mean age of diagnosis is 55 years. 5,6 Wegener granulomatosis can occur in both sexes but is most commonly seen in males. 3 In many patients, 2 types of antibodies have been identified.…”

“…Most patients with this disorder also develop renal failure. 3,5,6 Although rare, eye symptoms can include pain, pressure, vision loss, and protrusion of the globe from the orbit 5 ; these symptoms indicate the presence of Wegener granulomatosis.…”