Wegener’s Granulomatosis: A Review of the Clinical Implications, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

Wegener’s granulomatosis is an autoimmune disorder that results in inflammatory reactions, necrotizing vasculitis and granulomatous lesions in various tissues and organs of the body. In Wegener’s granulomatosis, the upper respiratory tract, lungs, and kidneys are typically involved early in the course of the disease. Microscopic examination of biopsied tissue from an involved organ and the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (cANCA) are the most reliable diagnostic tests for Wegener’s granulomatosis. Early diagnosis and treatment (ie, combination of cyclophosphamide and prednisone) are imperative in WG since it is an almost invariably fatal condition if left untreated.