Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Wegener’s granulomatosis, now more commonly known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is a systemic inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels (vasculitis). In its classic form, the disease affects the upper and lower respiratory tract and the kidneys, but it may also involve the skin, eyes, musculoskeletal system, and peripheral nervous system.

Patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis often have antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) detected in their blood. Treatment is based on specific clinical guidelines and varies depending on the stage and severity of the disease, with adjustments made to medications and dosages over time.

The condition occurs most frequently in people of Caucasian descent.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology