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Teames C, Highland J, Cox D, Elstad M, Koening C, Smith M. The Diagnosis of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis When Serology and Biopsies are Negative. OTO Open 2024; 8:e138. [PMID: 38751426 PMCID: PMC11094516 DOI: 10.1002/oto2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a potentially fatal condition which often manifests in the head and neck. Currently, diagnosis relies on antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (c-ANCA) serology and mucosal or renal biopsy. However, a significant proportion of patients with GPA limited to the head and neck are seronegative and biopsy negative. This study evaluates the role of clinical diagnosis of GPA in the absence of positive laboratory findings. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Academic Tertiary Medical Center. Methods This was a retrospective review of 143 patients treated in an outpatient otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care hospital for known or suspected GPA from 1998 to 2021. Presenting symptoms, C-ANCA status at initial presentation, biopsy results, long-term serology results, and time to initiation of treatment were analyzed. Results Twenty-six of 143 (18.2%) patients were seronegative; only 3 of these patients (12%) had positive biopsies. Seventeen (73.9%) of these patients presented with nasal and sinus disease and 12 (52.2%) presented with airway involvement. Only 4 (17.4%) patients had renal involvement. Delay in treatment of patients with negative laboratory workup ranged from 0 months to 11 years. All patients who were seronegative and/or biopsy negative at presentation responded clinically to immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion GPA cases are often limited to the upper respiratory tract, making diagnosis difficult, particularly in seronegative patients. These results suggest that, when GPA is suspected, despite negative serology, the diagnosis of GPA should be made on clinical grounds, and empiric therapy encouraged to prevent delay in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Teames
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of MedicineUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Julie Highland
- Department of OtolaryngologyUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Daniel Cox
- Department of OtolaryngologyUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Mark Elstad
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Curry Koening
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Marshall Smith
- Department of OtolaryngologyUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
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2
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Djerić D, Perić A, Pavlović B, Folić M, Bontić A, Baralić M, Pavlović J, Radović M. Otitis media with effusion as an initial manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2021; 9:2050313X211036006. [PMID: 34377487 PMCID: PMC8327233 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x211036006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, characterized by necrotizing granulomas. It is an autoimmune disease affecting small- and medium-sized vessels of upper and lower respiratory tract, kidneys, and other organs. We described a case of a patient with otitis media with effusion as the first manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. A 54-year-old female presented as an urgent case with history of a severe otalgia, hearing loss, vertigo, and fever. The patient was treated with diagnosis of otitis media with effusion and acute rhinosinusitis, but without significant success. She developed an acute kidney dysfunction as a sign of glomerulonephritis with rapidly progressive renal failure. Diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis was confirmed after the histopathological analysis of kidney tissue, not by analysis of middle ear and paranasal sinus mucosa specimens. The patient was treated according to generally accepted protocol, and over time, there was an almost complete recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragoslava Djerić
- School of Medicine, University in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Perić
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Military Medical Academy Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
- Aleksandar Perić, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Military Medical Academy Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Bojan Pavlović
- School of Medicine, University in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miljan Folić
- School of Medicine, University in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Bontić
- Clinic for Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Baralić
- Clinic for Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Pavlović
- Clinic for Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Radović
- School of Medicine, University in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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3
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Zhou D, Zhang P, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li J, Zhou Z, Zhu N. Main tract stenosis complicated by granulomatous with polyangiitis: A case report. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:3332-3336. [PMID: 32266030 PMCID: PMC7132230 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rheumatic auto-immune disease involved in vasculitis. It is rarely reported that anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) associated with GPA would cause main tract stenosis. The current report documents a 54-year-old woman, with a history of severe cough, presented with wheezing and shortness of breath. Although she was treated with cephalosporin antibiotics for half a month, the symptoms were not alleviated. Accordingly, laboratory testing, radiology and pathology was performed at the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital. Blood samples were tested negative for ANCAs. Chest CT revealed stenosis of the main trachea and uneven thickening of the tracheal wall. Nasal sinuses CT scanning indicated thickening of the nasal mucosa. Pathological analysis demonstrated chronic granulomatous inflammation with focal lesions. According to the classification criteria of ACR/EULAR provisional 2017, the patient was diagnosed with the ANCAs-negative GPA. Following treatment with oral prednisone only for 6 months, obstruction of main tract was significantly improved. This case study is of interest for the promotion a potentially novel therapeutic intervention for GPA associated with the absence ANCA of in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daibing Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Youzhi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Zhongwen Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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4
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Carnevale C, Arancibia-Tagle D, Sarría-Echegaray P, Til-Pérez G, Tomás-Barberán M. Head and Neck Manifestations of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Retrospective analysis of 19 Patients and Review of the Literature. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019; 23:165-171. [PMID: 30956700 PMCID: PMC6449134 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1675759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by a necrositing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and focal/proliferative glomerulonephritis. In more than 70% of the cases, the presenting symptoms are head and neck manifestations that are often misdiagnosed as infectious or allergic in etiology. Objective The present study provides an analysis of head and neck manifestations in a series of patients diagnosed with GPA. It also evaluates their medical and surgical treatment and provides a review of the relevant literature. Methods A retrospective analysis of 19 patients diagnosed with GPA at a public tertiary care hospital between 2006 and 2017 was performed. Results A total of 19 patients were included in the present study, and 16 of them presented head and neck manifestations. Sinonasal symptoms were the most common, affecting 56% of the patients, followed by laryngotracheal (31.25%) and ear (25%) symptoms. In 7 patients, sinonasal symptoms were the first manifestation of the disease (43.75%). Four patients underwent surgery at some stage of the disease. Conclusions Head and neck involvement is common in GPA and may stand for the first or the only manifestation of the disease. The otolaryngologists play a central role in the diagnosis and long-term treatment of these patients, and they have to keep this pathology in mind when treating patients with ENT symptoms that do not respond as expected to the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Carnevale
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Diego Arancibia-Tagle
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Pedro Sarría-Echegaray
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Guillermo Til-Pérez
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Manuel Tomás-Barberán
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
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Shamsuyarova A, Ghorab Z, Higgins K, Klieb H. Bilateral palatal ulcers in a patient on immunosuppressive therapy. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2015; 121:205-9. [PMID: 26460273 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeina Ghorab
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Higgins
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hagen Klieb
- Department of Anatomic Pathology and Department of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Papadopoulos NG, Bernstein JA, Demoly P, Dykewicz M, Fokkens W, Hellings PW, Peters AT, Rondon C, Togias A, Cox LS. Phenotypes and endotypes of rhinitis and their impact on management: a PRACTALL report. Allergy 2015; 70:474-94. [PMID: 25620381 DOI: 10.1111/all.12573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rhinitis is an umbrella term that encompasses many different subtypes, several of which still elude complete characterization. The concept of phenotyping, being the definition of disease subtypes on the basis of clinical presentation, has been well established in the last decade. Classification of rhinitis entities on the basis of phenotypes has facilitated their characterization and has helped practicing clinicians to efficiently approach rhinitis patients. Recently, the concept of endotypes, that is, the definition of disease subtypes on the basis of underlying pathophysiology, has emerged. Phenotypes/endotypes are dynamic, overlapping, and may evolve into one another, thus rendering clear-cut definitions difficult. Nevertheless, a phenotype-/endotype-based classification approach could lead toward the application of stratified and personalized medicine in the rhinitis field. In this PRACTALL document, rhinitis phenotypes and endotypes are described, and rhinitis diagnosis and management approaches focusing on those phenotypes/endotypes are presented and discussed. We emphasize the concept of control-based management, which transcends all rhinitis subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Papadopoulos
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Allergy Department, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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7
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Borner U, Landis BN, Banz Y, Villiger P, Ballinari P, Caversaccio M, Dubach P. Diagnostic value of biopsies in identifying cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative localized Wegener's granulomatosis presenting primarily with sinonasal disease. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2013; 26:475-80. [PMID: 23232198 DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2012.26.3825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of Wegener's disease (WG) patients present with localized disease of the upper airways, i.e., sinonasal and other ear/nose/throat (ENT) symptoms. Because of the oligosymptomatic presentation a timely diagnosis of this potentially fatal disease is challenging. This study evaluates diagnostic peculiarities between WG in its localized and generalized form of the disease. METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed of 82 patients with suspected WG manifesting in the ENT region between 1989 and 2009. Comparison was performed of the clinical and laboratory results between patients with localized (n = 15) and generalized stage (n = 16) as well as non-WG patients (n = 50). RESULTS ENT signs and symptoms were subtle, especially in the population presenting with localized disease. Therapy refractory rhinosinusitis or serous otitis media were the most frequent presentations of WG. In testing for localized WG, mucosal biopsy had the highest sensitivity (53%) compared with cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCAs) with a lower sensitivity (47%) but highest specificity (96%) and highest positive predictive value (PPV; 78% versus 73%). Patients with generalized WG typically revealed a pathological urine sediment, hemoptysis, or rheumatological symptoms. In the generalized stage, c-ANCA had the highest sensitivity (81%), specificity (96% versus 95%), and highest PPV (87%). CONCLUSION Timely diagnosis and treatment of localized WG limited to the ENT region remains problematic. Even with adequate therapy, nearly one-half of patients with sinonasal localization suffer from relapse, at least 1 in 10 will progress to generalized disease, and up to two-thirds may develop permanent tissue damage. Unfortunately, the diagnostic usefulness of c-ANCA is significantly reduced at this early stage compared with cases with generalized disease (p = 0.04). Hence, the relative diagnostic value of mucosal biopsy increases especially for the significant proportion of c-ANCA(-) localized WG patients (47%). Sinonasal tissue sampling represents a cornerstone for diagnosis, which unlike c-ANCA testing can be repeated in short intervals and is associated with low morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Borner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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8
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Almouhawis HA, Leao JC, Fedele S, Porter SR. Wegener's granulomatosis: a review of clinical features and an update in diagnosis and treatment. J Oral Pathol Med 2013; 42:507-16. [PMID: 23301777 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan A Almouhawis
- Oral Medicine unit, Department of Maxillofacial Medicine and Surgery, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK
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9
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Eloy P, Leruth E, Bertrand B, Rombaux PH. Successful endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis. Clin Ophthalmol 2009; 3:651-6. [PMID: 20054412 PMCID: PMC2801633 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s5920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is one form of idiopathic autoimmune vasculitis. The disease has a predilection for the upper and lower respiratory tracts (lungs, nose, sinus), and kidneys. WG may be systemic, severe, and potentially lethal, but it may also be limited to the otolaryngological area or to the eyes and the orbits. Obstruction of the lacrimal pathway is a possible complication of the disease that affects approximately 7% of patients with WG. It usually occurs as a direct extension of sinonasal disease and typically is a late manifestation. Management of such a condition is generally viewed as difficult. We report the case of a patient with a quiescent WG limited to the otolaryngological area. This patient presented a bilateral obstruction of the nasolacrimal ducts caused by bilateral extensive adhesions in the nasal cavity. Because she had several episodes of left-side acute dacryocystitis which necessitated several courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, she successfully underwent an endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy using a diode laser and powered instrumentation. The authors describe the clinical case, the surgical technique, and review the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Eloy
- ENT and HNS department, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, 5530, Yvoir, Belgium.
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[Epistaxis and systemic disease]. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2009; 60:456-8. [PMID: 19909723 DOI: 10.1016/j.otorri.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 77-year-old man who presented nasal obstruction sensation and epistaxis. Otorhinolaryngological examination revealed occupation of the left nasal passage and the left maxillary sinus by an inflammatory tumour, the biopsy results of which were inconclusive. While diagnostic tests where being carried out, the patient presented a severe systemic condition consisting mainly of anaemia, acute renal failure, and cavitated diffuse bilateral lung infiltrates. In the light of the results of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies and renal biopsy, Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed and treatment for the disease was instituted with a favourable response. Finally, clinical manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis are reviewed, with especial emphasis on otolaryngologic complaints.
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[Wegener granulomatosis and cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion: differential diagnosis]. Med Clin (Barc) 2009; 133:237-8. [PMID: 19576396 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2008.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Accepted: 06/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Roca B. Epistaxis and systemic disease. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s2173-5735(09)70175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Manna R, Cadoni G, Ferri E, Verrecchia E, Giovinale M, Fonnesu C, Calò L, Armato E, Paludetti G. Wegener's granulomatosis: an update on diagnosis and therapy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2008; 4:481-95. [PMID: 20477576 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.4.4.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a unique clinicopathological disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of the respiratory tract, pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis and small-vessel vasculitis. Owing to its wide range of clinical manifestations, WG has a broad spectrum of severity that includes the potential for alveolar hemorrhage or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which are immediately life threatening. WG is associated with the presence of circulating antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (c-ANCAs). The most widely accepted pathogenetic model suggests that c-ANCA-activated cytokine-primed neutrophils induce microvascular damage and a rapid escalation of inflammation with recruitment of mononuclear cells. The diagnosis of WG is made on the basis of typical clinical and radiologic findings, by biopsy of involved organ, the presence of c-ANCA and exclusion of all other small-vessel vasculitis. Currently, a regimen consisting of daily cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids is considered standard therapy. A number of trials have evaluated the efficacy of less-toxic immunosuppressants and antibacterials for treating patients with WG, resulting in the identification of effective alternative regimens to induce or maintain remission in certain subpopulations of patients. Recent investigation has focused on other immunomodulatory agents (e.g., TNF-alpha inhibitors and anti-CD20 antibodies), intravenous immunoglobulins and antithymocyte globulins for treating patients with resistant WG.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Manna
- Clinical Autoimmunity Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A Gemelli, 8-00168 Rome, Italy.
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Ettl T, Pistner H, Schwarz S, Reichert TE, Driemel O. [Foudroyant course of a therapy resistent Wegener's granulomatosis with negative c-ANCA]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 11:73-80. [PMID: 17406921 DOI: 10.1007/s10006-007-0052-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ettl
- Universität Regensburg, Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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