Wegener's granulomatosis: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG) is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis that primarily involves small vessels in the body. Patient usually presents in the fourth to fifth decade. The clinical presentation is variable; however, majority of patients (90%) seek medical attention for nasal and sinus symptoms with or without lower respiratory symptoms of cough, dyspnoea and haemoptysis. The typical form of WG tends to involve the triad of upper and lower respiratory tract and the kidneys; while involvement of other organs like ocular, cutaneous, rheumatological, neural, gastrointestinal and lower genito-urinary tract is occasionally seen. A "limited" form with clinical findings isolated to the upper respiratory tract or lungs, occur in approximately one-fourth of cases. We present a case of Wegener's Gmnulomatosis in an eighty five year old lady who presented with an acute pneumonia-like illness. She underwent an extensive work-up to reach a definitive diagnosis.