Granulomatosis with polyangiitis Health Dictionary

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Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: From 1 Different Sources

(GPA) an autoimmune disease, formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, predominantly affecting the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys, and characterized by blood-vessel inflammation and the formation of necrotizing *granulomas. It is associated with the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (*ANCA). Untreated the disease is usually fatal, but it can be controlled with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Wegener’s Granulomatosis

A rare disorder in which granulomas (nodular collections of abnormal cells), associated with areas of chronic tissue inflammation due to vasculitis, develop in the nasal passages, lungs, and kidneys. It is thought that the condition is an autoimmune disorder (in which the body’s natural defences attack its own tissues). Principal symptoms include a bloody nasal discharge, coughing (which sometimes produces bloodstained sputum), breathing difficulty, chest pain, and blood in the urine. There may also be loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and joint pains.

Treatment is with immunosuppressant drugs, such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine, combined with corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms and attempt to bring about a remission.

With prompt treatment, most people recover completely within about a year, although kidney failure occasionally develops.

Without treatment, complications may occur, including perforation of the nasal septum, causing deformity of the nose; inflammation of the eyes; a rash, nodules, or ulcers on the skin; and damage to the heart muscle, which may be fatal.... wegener’s granulomatosis

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis

see Churg–Strauss syndrome.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) see omega-3 fatty acids.... eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Granulomatosis

n. any condition marked by multiple widespread *granulomata. See also granulomatosis with polyangiitis.... granulomatosis

Microscopic Polyangiitis

(MPA) an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of small blood vessels, leading to reduced kidney function and breathlessness. It is associated with the presence of antinuclear cytoplasmic antibodies (*ANCA) and can be treated with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab.... microscopic polyangiitis

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