Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Updates to Article Attributes
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener granulomatosis, is a multisystem necrotising non-caseating granulomatous c-ANCA positive vasculitis affecting small to medium sized arteries, capillaries and veins, with a predilection for the respiratory system and kidneys 3.
This article discusses GPA in general. For organ specific radiographic features please refer to individual articles:
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis: pulmonary manifestations
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis: renal manifestations
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis: upper respiratory tract manifestations
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis: CNS manifestations
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis: orbital manifestations
Epidemiology
There is a slight male predilection and onset is typically at approximately 50 years of age 8.
Clinical presentation
Presentation depends on which organ systems are involved, however upper respiratory tract symptoms are most common 8. Cough and haemoptysis, proteinuria and haematuria as well as systemic symptoms such as anorexia, malaise and fever are also common 9.
Symptoms related to other organ systems are less frequent, due to a corresponding infrequency of involvement (musculoskeletal symptoms, ocular symptoms, skin changes) 9.
Pulmonary involvement
Interstitial fibrosis at the bases is usually the first finding, but is usually asymptomatic. Multiple pulmonary nodules, cavitating in 50% cases is the most common and characteristic manifestation. Pleural effusions and mediastinal nodal enlargement are also encountered.
Renal involvement
Focal lesions can give proteinuria and haematuria while diffuse lesions can give acute renal failure.
Upper respiratory tract and paranasal sinus involvement
Causes mucosal ulceration and granulomatous masses within the nasal cavities with adjacent bony and cartilaginous destruction.
Splenic involvement
Can result in splenic infarction 16-18
Pathology
It results from an immune mediated vascular injury.
Histology
Histologically necrotising granulomas with an associated vasculitis is the dominant feature.
Markers
In 90% of cases cANCA (PR3) is positive and the levels correlate with disease activity 8.
Classification
The classic triad of organ involvement consists of:
- lungs: involved in 95% of cases
- upper respiratory tract / sinuses: 75-90%
- kidneys: 80%
In terms of extent granulomatosis with polyangiitis can be classified as:
- classical: full triad
- limited: not having the full triad
- usually respiratory tract involvement only
- renal only involvement has been described but is uncommon 7
- widespread: additional organ involvement 14
- skin (50%)
- eyes (45%)
- peripheral nervous system (35%)
- occasionally also other organs, such as the heart and gastrointestinal tract
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment is typically with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and/or steroids. More recently agents such as Rituximab are also used .
Without treatment, granulomatosis with polyangiitis is rapidly progressive with death usually occurring within a year of diagnosis, with only 10% of patients surviving 2 years 7. Appropriate medical therapy has dramatically increased long term survival 7.
History and etymology
The former name "Wegener granulomatosis" comes from the German pathologist Friedrich Wegener who first described it in 1936 11. Wegener was a member of the Nazi party and it is suspected that he took part in experiments on concentration camp inmates. Following the discovery of his Nazi pastpast history, the current name "granulomatosis with polyangiitis" has been proposed 15.
Differential diagnosis
General imaging differential considerations include:
- eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- lymphomatoid granulomatosis
- sarcoidosis
- microscopic polyangiitis
See also
-<li><a href="/articles/granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis-pulmonary-manifestations-1">granulomatosis with polyangiitis: pulmonary manifestations</a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis-thoracic-pulmonary-manifestations">granulomatosis with polyangiitis: pulmonary manifestations</a></li>
-</ul><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>Treatment is typically with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and/or steroids.</p><p>Without treatment, granulomatosis with polyangiitis is rapidly progressive with death usually occurring within a year of diagnosis, with only 10% of patients surviving 2 years <sup>7</sup>. Appropriate medical therapy has dramatically increased long term survival <sup>7</sup>.</p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>The former name "Wegener granulomatosis" comes from the German pathologist <strong>Friedrich Wegener</strong> who first described it in 1936 <sup>11</sup>. Wegener was a member of the Nazi party and it is suspected that he took part in experiments on concentration camp inmates. Following the discovery of his Nazi past the current name "granulomatosis with polyangiitis" has been proposed <sup>15</sup>.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><p>General imaging differential considerations include:</p><ul>-<li><a title="Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis" href="/articles/eosinophilic-granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis">eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis</a></li>- +</ul><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>Treatment is typically with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and/or steroids. More recently agents such as Rituximab are also used .</p><p>Without treatment, granulomatosis with polyangiitis is rapidly progressive with death usually occurring within a year of diagnosis, with only 10% of patients surviving 2 years <sup>7</sup>. Appropriate medical therapy has dramatically increased long term survival <sup>7</sup>.</p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>The former name "Wegener granulomatosis" comes from the German pathologist <strong>Friedrich Wegener</strong> who first described it in 1936 <sup>11</sup>. Wegener was a member of the Nazi party and it is suspected that he took part in experiments on concentration camp inmates. Following the discovery of his past history, the current name "granulomatosis with polyangiitis" has been proposed <sup>15</sup>.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><p>General imaging differential considerations include:</p><ul>
- +<li><a href="/articles/eosinophilic-granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis">eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis</a></li>
-<li><a title="Microscopic polyangiitis" href="/articles/microscopic-polyangiitis">microscopic polyangiitis</a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/microscopic-polyangiitis">microscopic polyangiitis</a></li>
References changed:
- 19. Geetha D, Kallenberg C, Stone JH, Salama AD, Appel GB, Duna G, Brunetta P, Jayne D. Current therapy of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis: the role of rituximab. (2015) Journal of nephrology. 28 (1): 17-27. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-014-0135-3">doi:10.1007/s40620-014-0135-3</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25185728">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>
- 20. Dariusz Gawryluk, Justyna Fijolek, Elzbieta Wiatr. Long-term outcomes of rituximab (RTX) therapy in recurrent Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). (2018) European Respiratory Journal. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2018.PA3009">doi:10.1183/13993003.congress-2018.PA3009</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>