Wegener's granulomatosis: The current understanding

Presentation and Management of Life-threatening Lesion in Left Orbit Complicated by Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

We present a unique case of acute on chronic left frontal sinusitis with an orbital abscess in the left orbit complicated by granulomatosis with polyangiitis and a defect to the structure of the orbit, among the 87 year old patient's other health-related conditions. Urgent transfer to tertiary care, and diagnostic, surgical, and multidisciplinary management were necessary to achieve a favorable clinical outcome: the eye was left undamaged and no infection spread to the brain. This report also sets out to review the literature.

A Rare Presentation of Wegener's Granulomatosis in ENT

Wegener's granulomatosis or Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare multisystem autoimmune vasculitis disease which may become life threatening due to the various system involvement. Granular hyperplastic gingivitis, the so called "strawberry gingivitis" is a rare manifestation of this disease, yet pathognomic when present. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important.

Oral granulomatosis with polyangiitis a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an unusual multisystemic inflammatory disease, with vasculitis of small- and medium-sized vessels, with a predilection for upper lower airways and kidneys. The etiology remains unknown although it may originate from different stimuli, in genetically susceptible patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A detailed database search was performed. The variables were demographics, localization, histopathological findings, antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, cytoplasmic (c-ANCA) tests, treatment, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-two cases were identified; the mean age was 49.6 years, with a range from 6 to 87 years. It was most frequently seen in females (57.7%). The most common race was white (59.6%). The most frequent location was in the maxillary gingiva (28.8%), followed by both the upper and lower gingiva (19.2%). The most common clinical presentation was "strawberry gingivitis" (61.5%). The main symptom was pain, in 50%. Regarding the c-ANCA test, it was positive in 71.2% of cases. The most common therapy was prednisone and cyclophosphamide, utilized in 51.9%. The average follow-up was 23.6 months, and 88.5% of patients were still alive at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis initially was difficult to establish, an early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. If untreated the disease can be associated with morbidity and mortality. For the oral clinician, this disease needs to be addressed in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions.

Oral Microbiota Profile in Patients with Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis

Microbiota has been associated with autoimmune diseases, with nasal Staphylococcus aureus being implicated in the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Little is known about the role of oral microbiota in AAV. In this study, levels of IgG antibodies to 53 oral bacterial species/subspecies were screened using immunoblotting in plasma/serum in pre-symptomatic AAV-individuals (n = 85), matched controls, and established AAV-patients (n = 78). Saliva microbiota from acute-AAV and controls was sequenced from 16s rDNA amplicons. Information on dental status was extracted from a national register. IgG levels against oral bacteria were lower in established AAV versus pre-AAV and controls. Specifically, pre-AAV samples had, compared to controls, a higher abundance of periodontitis-associated species paralleling more signs of periodontitis in established AAV-patients than controls. Saliva microbiota in acute-AAV showed higher within-sample diversity but fewer detectable amplicon-sequence variants and taxa in their core microbiota than controls. Acute-AAV was not associated with increased abundance of periodontal bacteria but species in, e.g., Arthrospira, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, and Scardovia. In conclusion, the IgG profiles against oral bacteria differed between pre-AAV, established AAV, and controls, and microbiota profiles between acute AAV and controls. The IgG shift from a pre-symptomatic stage to established disease cooccurred with treatment of immunosuppression and/or antibiotics.

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.

[Granulomatosis with polyangiitis - manifestations in the head and neck area]

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare chronic rheumatologic systemic disease with a vasculitis of small- and medium-size vessels. Mostly the upper airways, lung and kidneys are affected. Symptoms are unspecific. Patients complain about stuffy nose, crustiness of nasal secretions, ulcera of the oral mucosa or epistaxis. The otorhinolaryngologist may be the first one to evaluate the patient's health condition. Long term complications may be cardial, renal or pulmonal failure. To this day the aetiology is still unknown. Severe disease is treated with a combination of immunosuppressive medications. Clinic examinations and laboratory tests should be carried out for life-time.

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.

Strawberry gingivitis - First sign of Wegener's granulomatosis

Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG) is an immunologically mediated rare multisystem disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation affecting the upper and lower respiratory tracts, disseminated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. WG oral lesions are reported to occur in 6%–13% of patients; they were an initial presenting feature in only 2% of cases. A case of strawberry gingivitis as the first sign of WG presented with erythematous and painful localized gingival enlargement affecting the maxillary anterior region of jaw in a 17-year-old boy is reported here. Correlation of histopathology with routine hematoxylin and eosin and special stains such as Grocott-Gomori's methenamine-silver nitrate and periodic acid–Schiff, peripheral blood smear, chest radiographs, Mantoux test and clinical presentation were established in diagnosing this rare entity. By the above-mentioned procedures, we arrived at the diagnosis of WG. The aim of reporting this case was to emphasize that, the dental surgeon often being the first person to examine the oral cavity, should be familiar with the typical appearance of gingiva as “strawberry gingivitis,” its clinical course, diagnostic parameters and adequate management of WG.

Gingival Swelling as the Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

We describe a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; formerly named Wegener granulomatosis) that presented initially as florid areas of gingival swelling. The patient also had upper respiratory symptoms that included sinus congestion and cough of recent onset. Clinical-pathologic correlation aided the interpretation of non-specific biopsy findings and immediate referral to an appropriate medical specialist. Treatment was rendered at an early stage of disease with a good response to date. Review of the literature indicates that gingival swelling, often with the characteristic appearance of "strawberry gingivitis" may represent the initial sign of disease in 2% of patients with GPA. Biopsy of gingival lesions often shows a non-specific histologic appearance that should be interpreted in the context of the clinical appearance and pertinent medical history. The clinical investigations that lead to definitive diagnosis and treatment are presented to facilitate the management of this uncommon but potentially fatal condition.

Oral manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis - Clinical and radiological assessment

Background/purpose

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of primary systemic vasculitis associated with the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). GPA mainly affects medium and small vessels and may manifest in different organs, most commonly upper respiratory tract. Oral lesions occur in 6–13% of GPA patients and might be the first symptom observed by the patient. This study presents the evaluation of orofacial manifestations of patients with GPA.

Materials and methods

Prospective study was conducted between June 2014 and November 2017 in Department of Allergy and Immunology at University Hospital in Krakow. Patients diagnosed with GPA, after medical assessment, were examined including precise dental inspection, bacterial and fungal flora of oral cavity evaluation and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging.

Results

Nine patients were enrolled in the study. Characteristic for GPA strawberry gingivitis was observed in one patient. Bone destruction and inflammatory lesions in paranasal sinuses was confirmed by CBCT in 55.6% of patients. Fungal infection was revealed in 66.7% of patients.

Conclusion

These findings oblige dentists to consult patient with laryngologist or internal medicine physician to establish further diagnostic approach, because early diagnosis of GPA is crucial for implementing appropriate treatment and preventing chronic organ damage.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an inflammatory condition that targets the blood vessels, which may occur in isolation or as a component of a systemic inflammatory condition. Although many of the vasculitides can directly affect the organs of the gastrointestinal system, some types exhibit a proclivity for certain gastrointestinal and hepatic organs. Often a patient presents with nonspecific symptoms, delaying the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying vasculitis. Vasculitis can also present with severe manifestations, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeds and bowel perforation. It is important to identify the signs and symptoms of vasculitis in gastrointestinal system and institute appropriate treatment.

Granulomatous Diseases Affecting Jaws

The common aspect of all granulomatous diseases is the typical form of chronic inflammatory response with distinct microscopic granulomas that are formed secondary to either definitive etiologic agents, like bacteria, fungal, or parasitic, or due to an unknown etiologic agent, such as trauma, autoimmune, or even neoplastic process. Although they can be histologically distinct, granulomatous diseases demonstrate a variety of clinical features that may not seem to be inflammatory. Two types of granulomas are typically encountered: foreign body granulomas and immune granulomas. The differences between the two types of granulomas lie in the pathogenesis.

Gingival granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) as a primary manifestation of the disease

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a potentially lethal disease characterized by systemic necrotizing vasculitis, which affects small- and medium-sized blood vessels and is often associated with serum cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. The upper and lower respiratory tract and kidney are the most involved sites, but oral lesions can be identified in 6-13% of the cases, whereas in only 2% of the cases, oral manifestations represent the first signal of the disease usually as gingival swellings or unspecific ulcerations. Without treatment, the mainstay of which is the combination of immunosuppressants and systemic corticosteroids, GPA may run a fatal course. In this report we describe an original case of GPA affecting a 75-year-old female patient referred to our service due to a gingival swelling with 3-month duration. Although the patient was correctly diagnosed and promptly treated, she died 3 months after the initial diagnosis.

Orofacial manifestations in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

The main orofacial manifestation of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases is that of Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, there is a constellation of orofacial manifestations of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, many of which are extra-articular with some constituting presenting signs of the underlying rheumatic disease. This review will discuss the orofacial manifestations in a variety of connective tissue diseases and will also allude to the oral adverse drug reactions that may occur as a consequence of therapy.

Gingival hyperplasia as first sign of recurrence of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis): case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly referred to as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare systemic disease of unknown etiology which can affect all areas of the body, including the oral cavity. The typical oral manifestations occur as nonspecific erosive/ulcerative lesions of the oral cavity or appear with hyperplastic gingivitis, a so called "strawberry gingivitis".

CASE PRESENTATION

We report here about an extremely rare case with hyperplastic gingivitis as the first sign of recurrence of GPA in the absence of oral manifestations in the primary disease. A 72 year-old female was referred to our Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery with hyperplastic gingivitis. The patient was diagnosed with GPA already eight years before. We referred the patient to our Clinic of Internal Medicine where she was successfully treated with rituximab. At the follow-up visit, the patient showed complete remission of the hyperplastic gingiva.

CONCLUSION

The often overlooked oral manifestation may be interpreted as the first evidence of resurgent GPA in general and therefore could be pathognostic for the disease. This case affirms the need of health professionals to be acquainted with orofacial manifestations of rare diseases such as GPA. As a consequence, dentists will be able to assist in diagnosing GPA more easily leading to a better prognosis for patients suffering from this disease.

Role of gingival manifestation in diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)

Purpose

This report describes a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in which the gingival manifestation was crucial in both making an early diagnosis and possibly in deciding the approach to treatment.

Methods

A 57-year-old sailor presented to the Department of Dentistry at Ulsan University Hospital complaining of gingival swelling since approximately 2 months. He had orofacial granulomatous lesions and the specific gingival manifestation of strawberry gingivitis.

Results

The diagnosis of GPA was made on the basis of clinical symptoms and signs, and confirmed by the presence of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and a positive biopsy. The patient was admitted to the hospital and subsequently placed on a disease-modifying therapy regimen that included methotrexate and prednisone.

Conclusions

Identification of the gingival manifestation of the disease permitted an early diagnosis and prompt therapy in a disease in which time is a crucial factor. Because of its rapid progression and potentially fatal outcome, an early diagnosis of GPA is important. Therefore, dentists should be aware of the oral signs and symptoms of such systemic diseases.

Orofacial granulomatosis: clinical signs of different pathologies

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is an uncommon disease characterized by persistent or recurrent soft tissue enlargement, oral ulceration and a variety of other orofacial features. It could be an oral manifestation of a systemic disease. For a correct differential diagnosis, local and systemic conditions characterized by granulomatous inflammation should be excluded using appropriate clinical and laboratory investigations. In fact, the diagnosis of OFG may be confirmed only by histopathological identification of noncaseating granulomas. The literature from 1943 to 2014 was reviewed with emphasis on the etiology of OFG and on clinical manifestations of systemic pathologies associated with OFG. The precise cause of OFG is still unknown, although several theories have been suggested, such as infection, hereditary factors and allergy. OFG is a disease that has a wide spectrum of presentation, which may include the oral manifestation of a systemic condition such as Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

Wegener's granulomatosis: a review of clinical features and an update in diagnosis and treatment

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is an idiopathic, systemic inflammatory disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and pauci-immune small-vessel vasculitis of upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys. The condition affects both genders equally, although some inconsistent gender differences have been observed. The aetiology of WG remains unknown although a number of exogenous factors have been suggested to be of aetiological relevance. Most clinical characteristics of this disease are non-specific, making clinical diagnosis challenging. Histopathological examination of lesional and peritoneal tissue is not pathognomonic, but is an essential investigation to confirm the presence of disease and exclude other disorders. At present, despite the increasingly wide range of potential therapies, cyclophosphamide plus corticosteroids remain the most recognized and effective means of inducing and sustaining remission of WG.

Pediatric Wegener's granulomatosis with oral ulcers and progressive periodontitis: a case report

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare multisystem disorder. Although it can occur at any age, it is rarely observed in children. Oral manifestations, which are present in fewer than 10% of patients, include oral ulceration, nonhealing extraction sockets, and the most common oral lesion, hyperplastic gingivitis, which is known as "strawberry gingivitis." We report the unusual case of a 6-year-old boy with WG who presented with atypical oral manifestations, including severe progressive periodontitis accompanied by oral ulcers, before the development of systemic symptoms. Although WG is rare, this case emphasizes the importance of considering the diagnosis in those who present with progressive and atypical oral disease, as prompt treatment of the systemic illness can significantly improve outcome.

Strawberry gingivitis as the first presenting sign of Wegener's granulomatosis: report of a case

Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare multi-system disease characterized by the classic triad of necrotizing granulomas affecting the upper and lower respiratory tracts, disseminated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. Oral lesions as a presenting feature are only encountered in 2% of these cases. Hyperplastic gingival lesions or strawberry gingivitis, is a characteristic sign of Wegener's granulomatosis. The latter consists of reddish-purple exophytic gingival swellings with petechial haemorrhages thus resembling strawberries. Recognition of this feature is of utmost importance for timely diagnosis and definitive management of this potentially fatal disease. A case of strawberry gingivitis as the first presenting sign of Wegener's granulomatosis affecting a 50-year-old Malay male is reported here. The differential diagnosis of red lesions that may present in the gingiva is discussed.

Recurrence of Wegener's granulomatosis with de novo intraoral presentation treated successfully with rituximab

We describe a unique case of a recurrence of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) that presented with oral pain involving a left maxillary molar, which thereafter led to an extraction. Oral lesions with a classical appearance of strawberry gingivitis developed following the extraction. The primary disease did not have any oral manifestations. Both the primary disease and recurrence responded to rituximab, a monoclonal B-cell depleting antibody. Rituximab is emerging as a drug with significant potential to improve treatment of primary and, as described in this case, recurrent WG.

[Foudroyant course of a therapy resistent Wegener's granulomatosis with negative c-ANCA]

BACKGROUND

Wegener's Granulomatosis is a rare systemic disease characterized by the triad of necrotizing granulomas of blood vessels, upper respiratory tract, and kidneys. Diagnosis depends on clinical symptoms (ACR-criteria), detection of serum circulating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) and bioptical histopathology.

CASE-REPORT

A 34-year-old patient presented with intraoral ulcerating, necrotizing inflammations of the palate and the gingiva. Chest radiograph (nodules, infiltrates), urin analysis (red blood cell casts) being inconspicuous Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed by histopathology of an intraoral incisional biopsy. Conventional therapy with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide relapsed while the disease was taking a progressive course (pulmonary infiltrates, necrotizing vasculitides all over the common integument). The patient died of cardiac decompensation three months after diagnosis. c-ANCAs were not present at any time of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Symptoms of the head and neck are manifest in up to 95% of Wegener's granulomatosis. So knowledge of the disease is important for dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in spite of its low prevalence. 2. c-ANCA-titers do not reflect disease activity. Negative c-ANCAs do not exclude Wegener's granulomatosis. 3. Wegener's granulomatosis can take a progressive, therapy resistent course.