[Endobronchial stenosis in Wegener's granulomatosis]

Abstract

Introduction: Endobronchial stenoses are rare in the course of Wegener's granulomatosis, and they occur even more rarely than subglottic stenoses.

Exegesis: We report seven cases of endobronchial stenoses in the setting of Wegener granulomatosis. Neither the pulmonary symptoms nor the systemic manifestations of vasculitis were specific. However 6/7 patients presented a wheezing or an hemoptysis. Bronchial endoscopy has permitted the diagnosis in all cases. Local evolution was cicatricial and symptomatic stenosis in 3 cases (42,8%).

Conclusion: Thus these lesions must be research in any case of pulmonary abnormality in the course of Wegener's granulomatosis, because they may lead to a pejorative prognosis. Moreover general and local treatment must be given early (at the inflammatory stage). After this stage, the local treatments are difficult and not efficient.