A relapsing case of Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as an endobronchial mass

Abstract

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) relapse is frequent. Although lung involvement occurs in 85% of patients, endobronchial presentation of the disease is uncommon. We reported a relapsing case of WG presenting as an endobronchial mass. A 56- year-old man present ed with recurrence of WG following 14 months of cyclophosphamide and prednisolone therapy and 36 months of complete remission. At his first presentation, he was diagnosed as having WG with involvement of kidney, lung, upper airways, skin, joints and eyes. His chest X-ray showed bilateral patchy consolidation. Cytoplasmic-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) was also present in high titres. c-ANCA was negative after therapy. At the time of relapse, he presented with nasal symptoms and hemoptysis. His chest X-ray showed right paracardiac opacity. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a mass lesion subtotally obstructing the proximity of right lower lobe. He has been given prednisolone in tapering doses and cyclophosphamide for 10 months.