Wegener’s granulomatosis

Table of Contents

Definition

Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow.


Alternative Names

Midline granulomatosis


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Wegener's granulomatosis mainly affects blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs, and kidneys, although other areas may be involved.

The cause is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.

Wegener's granulomatosis is most common in middle-aged adults. It is rare in children, but has been seen in infants as young as 3 months old.



Review Date: 02/08/2011
Reviewed By: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP. Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)