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Wegener's granulomatosis - Overview

Alternative Names

Midline granulomatosis

Definition of Wegener's granulomatosis:

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

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/8/2011
  • 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.

References

Channick RN, Rubin LJ. Pulmonary Vaculitis and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. In: Mason RJ, Murray JF, Broaddus VC, Nadel JA, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: 1462-1463.

Calabrese LH, Molloy ES, Duna G. Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr., McInnes IB, Ruddy S, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: Chap 82.

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