Wegener's granulomatosis involving the urogenital tract

Abstract

Objective: To report eight cases of limited Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) affecting the urogenital tract (testis, ureter, bladder, urethra and penis) and to emphasize the importance of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) test in establishing the diagnosis.

Patients and methods: Eight patients (six men and two women, aged 41-77 years) were diagnosed with WG, based on their previous medical history, the ANCA test and by biopsy.

Results: In each case, there were difficulties and delay in establishing the diagnosis of WG and starting appropriate treatment. The ANCA test was positive in seven cases and helped in establishing the diagnosis, in conjunction with the confirmation of vasculitis and granulomata by biopsy.

Conclusion: We advocate ANCA testing in patients presenting with limited urogenital disease in association with a past or present relevant history of arthritis, skin vasculitis and/or biopsies showing necrosis or non-specific inflammation.