Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy from stenotic portion of mainstem bronchus

Abstract

This report concerns a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener's granulomatosis (WG)) with bronchus narrowing. Although nasal biopsy had been performed three times, no positive histology for GPA (WG) could be obtained. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed diffuse erythema, edema of the mucosa and stenosis of the right mainstem bronchus. Transbronchial biopsy identified granuloma with giant cells. These findings led to a diagnosis of GPA (WG). This case suggests that biopsy from the bronchus is useful for diagnosis of GPA (WG).

Keywords:

• Granuloma
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• Transbronchial biopsy
• Stenosis

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Rieko Ito, Department of pathology, Shinko Hospital and Dr. Arata Motoyama, Department of Radiology, Akashi City Hospital for the generous suggestion of the patients.

Conflict of interest

None.