Wegener's granulomatosis

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Definition

Wegener's granulomatosis is an uncommon disorder that causes inflammation in blood vessels (vasculitis), which restricts blood flow to various organs. Most commonly Wegener's granulomatosis affects your kidneys, lungs and upper respiratory tract. The restricted blood flow to these organs can damage them.

Besides inflamed blood vessels, Wegener's granulomatosis produces a type of inflammatory tissue known as granuloma. Granulomas can destroy normal tissue.

Early diagnosis and treatment may lead to a full recovery. Without treatment, Wegener's granulomatosis can be fatal.

Disturbing discoveries about Dr. Friedrich Wegener's controversial ties to the German Nazi regime of the 1930s have called into question the continued use of his name in identifying this condition, but an alternative has not been settled on.

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Symptoms