Management and Follow-up of Localized Wegener's Granulomatosis: A Review of Five Cases

Abstract

Objective —To evaluate the complications, efficacy of surgical treatment and outcome in patients with the localized form of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG).

Materials and Methods —We reviewed a series of 5 patients (3 males, 2 females; age range 22–67 years; mean age 44.6 years) with WG in the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Results —Aural, nasal and ocular complications were common in our patients. All patients responded to standard immunosuppressive treatment, and all surgical treatments had a favorable outcome in the remission stage. Although there was no life-threatening disease activity during the course of treatment, minor relapses occurred in three patients.

Conclusions —Patients with localized WG may have a better outcome than those with systemic WG, but complications due to the disease or medication must be actively managed. Reconstructive surgery for patients with WG is safe and effective during the remission stage.

• cytoplasmic-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
• dacryocystorhinostomy
• methotrexate
• pachymeningitis
• rhinoplasty
• trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole
• Wegener's granulomatosis

Nishiike S, Kato T, Nagai M, Konishi M, Sakata Y. Management and follow-up of localized Wegener's granulomatosis: a review of five cases. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 1103–1108

Nishiike S, Kato T, Nagai M, Konishi M, Sakata Y. Management and follow-up of localized Wegener's granulomatosis: a review of five cases. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 1103–1108