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'''Wegener's granulamatosis''', also known as Wegener's disease or just Wegener's is a rare and deadly form of vasculitis. It is distinguished from other forms of vasulitis by the presence of [[granuloma|granulomas]], which are not present in any other form of vasculitis. |
'''Wegener's granulamatosis''', also known as Wegener's disease or just Wegener's is a rare and deadly form of vasculitis. It is distinguished from other forms of vasulitis by the presence of [[granuloma|granulomas]], which are not present in any other form of vasculitis. |
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| − | Wegener's is extremely difficult to diagnose as its symptoms in the initial phase are not distinguishable from the symtoms of many other diseases. These include symptoms such as aches, slight difficulty breathing, and gastro-intestinal upset. It is generally only diagnosed after treatment is ineffective for anything else it could be. As such, because of its rarity and |
+ | Wegener's is extremely difficult to diagnose as its symptoms in the initial phase are not distinguishable from the symtoms of many other diseases. These include symptoms such as aches, slight difficulty breathing, and gastro-intestinal upset. It is generally only diagnosed after treatment is ineffective for anything else it could be. As such, because of its rarity and indistinguishable symptoms, it is considered one of the ultimate zebra diagnoses. |
Wegener's is a frequent differential on the show, but no patient has ever had it. |
Wegener's is a frequent differential on the show, but no patient has ever had it. |
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Revision as of 02:45, 1 June 2008
Wegener's granulamatosis, also known as Wegener's disease or just Wegener's is a rare and deadly form of vasculitis. It is distinguished from other forms of vasulitis by the presence of granulomas, which are not present in any other form of vasculitis.
Wegener's is extremely difficult to diagnose as its symptoms in the initial phase are not distinguishable from the symtoms of many other diseases. These include symptoms such as aches, slight difficulty breathing, and gastro-intestinal upset. It is generally only diagnosed after treatment is ineffective for anything else it could be. As such, because of its rarity and indistinguishable symptoms, it is considered one of the ultimate zebra diagnoses.
Wegener's is a frequent differential on the show, but no patient has ever had it.
Until the widespread development of steroids, Wegener's was a virtual death sentence with most patients dying within a year of diagnosis. However, modern steroids can control the disease, although they cannot cure it. Most patients now live a normal life span, although they may suffer from flare-ups of symptoms from time to time.