Diffuse lung hemorrhage and necrotizing glomerulonephritis in a case of Wegener's granulomatosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach
Villegas Fernández, F.R.; Callol Sánchez, L.; Chillon Martín, M.J.; Jareño Esteban, J.; Moreno Muro, M.; Cuevas Ibáñez, A.; Gómez-Terreros, F.J.
Anales de Medicina Interna 12(7): 333-336
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-7199 PMID: 7578815 Document Number: 443065
We present the case of a 59 years old male with Wegener's Granulomatosis with uncommon manifestations such as diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage and acute renal failure due to necrotizing glomerulonephritis. Neutrophil anticytoplasmic antibodies determination was negative. Conventional and high resolution thoracic computed tomography showed cavitated lung nodules with small peripheral vessels. These lesions, that are characteristic of this type of vasculitis, were not appreciated on the routine chest roetgenogram. Definitive diagnosis was made by the histological study of open lung and renal biopsies. Favourable response to corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and hemodialysis was obtained. Diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage is an uncommon manifestation of Wegener's Granulomatosis, and must be considered as a vital emergency that justify the use of aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic methods.