Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is the recently proposed, new alternative name for Wegener's granulomatosis. It defines a systemic small-vessels vasculitis, characterized by frequent involvement of upper and lower respiratory tract. The presence of cytoplasmic-type ANCA with anti-proteinase 3 specificity is observed in more than 90% of patients with GPA but is not mandatory for the definition of the disease, which is based on clinical criteria and presence of granulomas on the tissue biopsy. Necrotizing glomerulonephritis is observed in more than 50% of patients, and has important prognostic value, requiring urgent therapeutic intervention. Classical immunosuppressive schemes used in GPA combine high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphomide, but recent trials have shown that rituximab offers a similar efficacy with probably less cytotoxic side-effects. The best maintenance treatment is not yet defined, but the prevention of relapses remains the main therapeutic challenge in this vasculitis.