Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the lungs, kidneys and other organs. It causes inflammation of blood vessels and formation of nodules. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sinusitis and ear/nose/throat issues. It is diagnosed through blood tests and biopsies. Treatment involves immunosuppressant drugs like corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide to reduce immune system attacks. Prognosis is good if caught early and treated properly, though relapses can still occur.

1. WEGENER'S GRANULOMATOSIS Jenny Van Kampen BIOL131 November 22, 2011

7. C-ANCA test (positive cytoplasmic, meaning fluorescent granules are scattered in the neutrophil's cytoplasm) is approximately 90% accurate in diagnosing serious cases of WG, but only about 50% accurate for less severe cases

8. P-ANCA (positive perinuclear, meaning fluorescent granules are scattered near the neutrophil's nucleus) can also indicate WG

15. pictures retrieved from http://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org/types-vasculitis/wegeners-granulomatosis/

19. Kidney transplant

21. Folic acid

23. If left untreated, most patients die within two years