renal features of Wegener's granulomatosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
The renal manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis include:
- glomerulonephritis
- haematuria
- proteinuria
- azotaemia
Renal involvement occurs in about 77% of cases - in contrast to polyarteritis nodosa, hypertension is an unusual feature of Wegener's granulomatosis.
Notes:
- patients may present with life-threatening renal failure due to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis requiring urgent dialysis and immunosuppression
- at the other end of the spectrum are patients with proteinuria or haematuria with no impairment of renal function
- any renal involvement is associated with a significantly worse outcome
Reference:
- 1) ARC Autumn 2012. Topical Reviews - ANCA-associated vasculitis; 1:1-12.