RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of the case presented in the previous edition
Cleonice Isabela S. Silva; Jorge I. Kavakama; Nestor L. Müller
Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and the Diagnostic Center of Brazil, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Wegener's granulomatosis with aspergilloma
Masculino 56 anos
Dispnéia, tosse e hemoptise
COMMENTS
Wegener's granulomatosis is a multisystemic disease, histologically characterized by granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis that typically affects the respiratory tract and the kidneys. Its victims are usually middle aged, and there is no gender bias. The most common clinical manifestations include sinusitis, rhinorrhea, nasal/oral ulcers, polyarthralgia, fever, cough and hemoptysis. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) is related to the spread of the disease and is found in approximately 90% of patients presenting Wegener's granulomatosis accompanied by respiratory and renal involvement. Despite being widely used as a means of confirming the diagnosis, c-ANCA is not specific to Wegener's granulomatosis.
The lungs may also be involved at any stage of the disease. Computed tomography is superior to chest X-ray in identifying pulmonary abnormalities, as well as in determining the pattern and extent of the same.
Radiological manifestations typically include multiple nodules and masses of varying sizes, with regular or irregular borders and in any region of the lung. Cavitation is seen in approximately half of all cases. With treatment, the pulmonary abnormalities may be resolved completely or may leave some areas of scarring.
Cavitary colonization by Aspergillus and the formation of aspergillomas are extremely rare in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. Aspergilloma (fungus ball) is a conglomeration of hyphae with mucous and cellular debris found in pre-existing cavities or in dilated bronchi. In most cases, aspergillomas are found in patients with a history of tuberculosis. Other predisposing conditions include sarcoidosis, chronic fungal cavitation and ankylosing spondylitis.
REFERENCES
1. Jennette JC, Falk RJ, Andrassy K, Bacon PA, Churg J, Gross WL, et al. Nomenclature of systemic vasculitides. Proposal of an international consensus conference. Arthritis Rheum. 1994;37(2):187-92.
2. Fraser RS, Müller NL, Colman N, Paré PD. Diagnosis of diseases of the chest. 4th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 1999 p.1491-506.
3. Sheehan RE, Flint JDA, Müller NL. Computed tomography features of the thoracic manifestations of Wegener granulomatosis. J Thorac Imaging. 2003;18(1):34-41.
Readers diagnosing the case presented in the May/June 2005 issue (partially correct responses):
Carlos Fernando Garcia - Secretaria do Estado de Saúde do Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT
Demétrius Tierno Martins - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP.
Rubens Gabriel Feijó Andrade - Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS.
Shirley Coletty dos Santos - Departamento Médico da Câmara dos Deputados, Brasília, DF.
Wagner Malheiros - Diagnóstico e Imagem, Juiná, MT
Wilson Assami - Diagnóstico e Imagem, Juina, MT
Winston Hidekazu Akashi Iwauchi - Hospital São Luiz, São Paulo, SP.
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
31 Oct 2005 -
Date of issue
Aug 2005
