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Wegener?s granulomatosis



Adenocarcinoma - chest X-ray
Adenocarcinoma - chest X-ray
Wegener's granulomatosis on the leg
Wegener's granulomatosis on the leg
Respiratory system
Respiratory system


Wegener?s granulomatosis

Alternative Names:

Midline granulomatosis
Treatment:

Treatment with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or azathioprine produces long-term remission in over 90% of patients.


Support Groups:

Support groups with others who suffer from similar diseases may help patients and their families learn about their diseases and adjust to the changes associated with the treatment.


Expectations (prognosis):


With treatment, most people recover within months. However, some may develop chronic renal failure.

Without treatment, patients can die within a few months.


Complications:
Complications usually result from lack of treatment.
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • Respiratory failure
  • Inflammation of the eyes
  • Nasal septum perforation (hole inside the nose)
  • Rash

Medications used to treat the disease can cause side effects, which may also lead to complications.


Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if chest pain, coughing up blood, blood in the urine, or other symptoms of this disorder are present.


References:

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000: 1462-1463.




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