Large vessel aneurysms in Wegener's granulomatosis

J Vasc Surg. 2002 Oct;36(4):856-8. doi: 10.1067/mva.2002.126088.

Abstract

Large vessel aneurysm is not a classical finding in Wegener's granulomatosis. We describe a case report of WG complicated by subclavian artery aneurysm and review the literature on large-vessel and medium-vessel aneurysms in WG. The involved arteries included the aorta and the hepatic, renal, and left gastric arteries. In all but one case, abdominal pain was the presenting symptom. Treatment included medical and vascular interventions. In two patients, the involved vessel ruptured, leading to massive hemorrhage and death. We concluded that unexplained abdominal pain or extremity ischemia in patients with WG should alert the physician to the possibility of a large-vessel or medium-vessel aneurysm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aneurysm / etiology*
  • Female
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / complications*
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Subclavian Artery / diagnostic imaging*