Wegener's Granulomatosis

Saddle Nose Deformity in a Patient With Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, frequently presenting with extraintestinal manifestations. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys. Extraintestinal Crohn's disease and granulomatosis with polyangiitis may have similar clinical presentations and, in rare occurrences, can coexist. This case report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic complexities of this uncommon overlap syndrome.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis in gingiva: A rare case of isolated presentation

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by necrotising granulomatous inflammation of upper and lower respiratory tract, vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. This ailment may present with cough, haemoptysis, sinusitis, nasal deformity, skin lesions, malaise, fever, anorexia, and weight loss. Oral manifestation includes strawberry gingivitis, which is a pathognomonic clinical presentation. Here, we present a case of GPA in gingiva as the first manifestation. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed granular, erythematous gingival enlargement in the lower anterior teeth region involving papilla, marginal and attached gingiva with shiny and pebbled surface. Histopathological examination showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with vasculitis and inflammation in the connective tissue, neutrophilic infiltration and abscess formation with haemorrhage were noted. Laboratory investigations revealed Proteinase 3 (PR3) antigen and Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigen were positive. Clinical, histopathological and laboratory investigations enabled the diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. We present this rare case report of GPA with primary manifestation in gingiva.

Systemic diseases and the cornea

There is a number of systemic diseases affecting the cornea. These include endocrine disorders (diabetes, Graves' disease, Addison's disease, hyperparathyroidism), infections with viruses (SARS-CoV-2, herpes simplex, varicella zoster, HTLV-1, Epstein-Barr virus) and bacteria (tuberculosis, syphilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus erythematosus, gout, atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, multiple sclerosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, sarcoidosis, Cogan's syndrome, immunobullous diseases), corneal deposit disorders (Wilson's disease, cystinosis, Fabry disease, Meretoja's syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis, hyperlipoproteinemia), and genetic disorders (aniridia, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Marfan syndrome). Corneal manifestations often provide an insight to underlying systemic diseases and can act as the first indicator of an undiagnosed systemic condition. Routine eye exams can bring attention to potentially life-threatening illnesses. In this review, we provide a fairly detailed overview of the pathologic changes in the cornea described in various systemic diseases and also discuss underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as current and emerging treatments.

Granulomatous diseases: Oral manifestations and recommendations

Granulomatous diseases may present with oral manifestations that are detectable by dental care providers. In certain cases, oral manifestations may precede systemic signs and symptoms. Dentists managing patients with these conditions may modify the dental treatment plan and possibly retain the support of other health professionals. This review gives an update on granulomatous diseases that can be faced by the dental practitioner.

Symmetric polyarthritis as an initial symptom in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A report of six cases and review of the literature

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a primary systemic vasculitis characterized by granulomatous inflammation. Arthritis in GPA is most commonly associated with large joints, particularly the knees and ankles; however, symmetrical polyarthritis of small joints has been rarely reported in literature. Here, we describe retrospective analysis of six patients with GPA showing initial symptom of symmetrical polyarthritis who were followed-up by three different rheumatology departments. Male sex, anti-cyclic citrulinated peptide negativity, and early arthritis period are important clues for GPA.

Spectrum of orocutaneous disease associations: Immune-mediated conditions

There are a number of diseases that manifest both on the skin and the oral mucosa, and therefore the importance for dermatologists in clinical practice to be aware of these associations is paramount. In the following continuing medical education series, we outline orocutaneous disease associations with both immunologic and inflammatory etiologies.

A 14-year-old boy with sore throat and tea-colored urine

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; previously Wegener granulomatosis) is a rare, multisystem, necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis that classically affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys but can have diverse clinical features. The clinical course is often rapidly progressive, and without appropriate treatment is almost universally fatal. Early symptoms are often nonspecific and a high index of suspicion is needed to recognize this serious disease, particularly in the absence of overt pulmonary or renal manifestations. Because initial symptoms can mimic those of infection, patients often present first to the general pediatrician. We present a case of pediatric GPA in a 14-year-old boy who initially presented with constitutional symptoms, sore throat, and hematuria, and then developed grossly necrotic-appearing tonsils before rapid deterioration requiring intensive life-saving measures. We review the common manifestations of GPA, including those that may be unique to the pediatric population, and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in preventing devastating outcomes from this disease.

[Wegener granulomatosis and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: an insignificant association?]

BACKGROUND

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is an uncommon systemic necrotizing vasculitis that demonstrates renal and respiratory tropism. While the pathogenesis of WG remains controversial, autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms are likely to be involved. The nervous system could be affected in up to 54% of cases. Although central nervous system involvement has been reported in 7-11% of cases, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurrence is exceptional.

METHODS

We describe the third reported case of WG-related aneurysmal SAH and then discuss the diagnosis and pathogenesis of WG along with the physiopathology of intracranial aneurysm in light of recent data reported in the literature.

RESULTS

A 63-year-old woman with WG was referred to our neurosurgical department for aneurysmal SAH. The vasculitis diagnosis had been established 4 years earlier when she presented with chronic sinusitis, recurrent cystitis, and renal failure. The cerebral angiography revealed an anterior communicating artery dysplastic aneurysm. The neurosurgical management of the aneurysm was scheduled but delayed because the patient was experiencing a vasculitis flare-up. Immunosuppressive therapy and intravenous corticotherapy were given, with the patient's improvement, allowing neurosurgical clipping of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

Wegener granulomatosis-related aneurysmal SAH is an exceptional condition in neurovascular pathology. As inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of aneurysm, the vasculitis flare-up could account for this SAH. The management of WG could benefit from anti-inflammatory therapy, as could the vasculitis-related SAH. SAH occurrence in patients with systemic vasculitis could indicate a vasculitis flare-up.