Otolaryngologic approach to granulomatosis with polyangitis (Wegener's)

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) is a rare disease, however 80% to 90% of the cases have otolaryngologic manifestations, many as initial symptoms of the disease. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to review the current literature about granulomatosis with polyangiitis: Clinic manifestations, approach standards, diagnosis and treatment in otolaryngology. Design: Narrative review. Materials and methods: Literature review by selective search for MeSH terms: Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Wegener granulomatosis, in the databases: MEDLINE, Current Contents, Cochrane, PubMed and SciELO, between 2000 and 2014. Results: 39 articles were reviewed according to the requirements of the objectives. Current scientific evidence recognizes the importance of the knowledge about granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) in otolaryngology, in order to give an early diagnosis and to provide an opportune treatment. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) are the only tools to change the prognosis as well as quality of life of patients with this disease...