SKIN AND ORAL MOUTH ULCERS IN GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS (WEGENER’S GRANULOMATOSIS)

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a potentially fatal systemic auto-immune disease, and it mainly affects small- and medium-sized blood vessels. It is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous lesions of the respiratory tract, vasculitis, and glomerulonephritis, and it could develop in various organs, especially the ear, nose and throat, lungs, and kidneys. In addition, 50% of cases show orbital involvement. This study presents a rare case of Wegener’s granulomatosis. A 62-year-old male had a complaint of thrush in both tongue margins and also had ocular lesions and involvement of the feet and hands. Due to the extensive ulcers we did an incisional biopsy, which revealed severe vasculitis and inflammatory infiltrate compatible with Wegener’s disease. Thereafter, we prescribed mouthwashing with benzydamine and a systemic corticosteroid. The treatment caused the lesions to disappear completely. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a potentially fatal systemic auto-immune disease, and it mainly affects small- and medium-sized blood vessels. It is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous lesions of the respiratory tract, vasculitis, and glomerulonephritis, and it could develop in various organs, especially the ear, nose and throat, lungs, and kidneys. In addition, 50% of cases show orbital involvement. This study presents a rare case of Wegener’s granulomatosis. A 62-year-old male had a complaint of thrush in both tongue margins and also had ocular lesions and involvement of the feet and hands. Due to the extensive ulcers we did an incisional biopsy, which revealed severe vasculitis and inflammatory infiltrate compatible with Wegener’s disease. Thereafter, we prescribed mouthwashing with benzydamine and a systemic corticosteroid. The treatment caused the lesions to disappear completely.