Wegener's Granulomatosis

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Medical Author:

Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, FCCP

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Wegener's Granulomatosis Overview
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• Wegener's Granulomatosis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
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Wegener's Granulomatosis Overview

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare disease in which blood vessels become inflamed (a condition called vasculitis) and localized, nodular collections of abnormal inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, are found in affected tissues. Granulomatosis is the term that refers to the presence of granulomas. The inflammation can affect various parts of the body, such as the respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, windpipe, and lungs) and the kidneys. When blood vessels become inflamed, blood flow to the organs is disrupted, which can damage the organs. The condition is named after Friedrich Wegener, who identified the illness in the 1930s.

Wegener's granulomatosis is rare, and its exact frequency is difficult to determine. According to the Wegener's Granulomatosis Association, the condition affects one in every 30,000-50,000 people. The disease can affect anyone at any age. However, it affects white people in their 30s and 40s most often. African Americans account for only 2-3% of those affected by Wegener's granulomatosis.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be slowed or stopped.