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. 2009 Jun 25:3:94-9.
doi: 10.2174/1874306400903010094.

Effectiveness of rituximab in severe Wegener's granulomatosis: report of two cases and review of the literature

Joaquim Oristrell  1 , Guillermina Bejarano, Rosa Jordana, Manuel Monteagudo, Begoña Marí, Arnau Casanovas, Carles Tolosa
Affiliations

Effectiveness of rituximab in severe Wegener's granulomatosis: report of two cases and review of the literature

Joaquim Oristrell et al. Open Respir Med J. .

Abstract

We hereby describe the satisfactory evolution of rituximab treatment in two patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Rituximab was indicated for refractoriness to standard treatment in one case and life-threatening myelotoxicity due to alkylating agents in the other. A brief review of previous experience with the use of rituximab in the treatment of WG is presented.

Keywords: Rituximab; Wegener’s granulomatosis; rescue treatment..

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Figures

Fig. (1)
Fig. (1)
(A) Observe a solitary lung nodule in the right lower lobe (GW was confirmed by surgical ressection). (B) Multiple cavitated lung nodules. (C1, C2) These chest X-ray and CT images show the progression of the cavitary lesions in spite of the immunosuppressive and antibiotic therapies. (D1, D2) Observe the radiological remission after rituximab administration.
Fig. (2)
Fig. (2)
(A). Extensive lung infiltrates in a patient with WG. (B) After rituximab administration, lung infiltrates mainly disapeared and only residual atlectasis remained in the lef lower lobe.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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