Wegener's granulomatosis (blood vessel disease)
About Wegener's granulomatosis (blood vessel disease)
A type of vasculitis that involves medium sized arteries. Causes inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels. It most often affects and damages the kidneys, lungs, and upper respiratory tract. The cause of the disease is not known. Left untreated the disorder is life threatening due to severe lung injury and /or kidney failure. This disease is most often seen in adults greater than 35 years old.Symptoms
Persistent sinus and nasal inflammation, fever, night sweats, weight loss, bloody urine, cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A blood test for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) is almost always positive in people with the disease. Other tests include chest x-ray, chest CT scan, urine analysis, blood tests for kidney function. A biopsy is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis.Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Initial treatment usually includes corticosteroids combined with cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan or rituximab (Rituxan). Once the disease is in remission, doses of the drugs are slowly lowered.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Rheumatology · Pulmonology · Nephrology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis (blood vessel disease).