Wegener's granulomatosis complicated by pulmonary embolism: a case report and review of the literature

Mod Rheumatol. 2011 Apr;21(2):211-4. doi: 10.1007/s10165-010-0364-9. Epub 2010 Oct 15.

Abstract

We describe the case of a 79-year-old lady who developed pulmonary emboli on a background of active Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). The literature reports an increased association of venous thromboembolic disease and the small vessel vasculitides, including WG. This case report explores the issues surrounding systemic anticoagulation in the context of a systemic vasculitis that predisposes to severe bleeding, in particular from the respiratory tract.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / complications*
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / diagnosis
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide