GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGITIS: A CASE REPORT IN A YOUNG AFRICAN

GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGITIS

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA) formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis is a rare chronic systemic disease characterized by vasculitis, formation of granulomas and manifesting with multi-organ dysfunction. It affects small and medium sized vessels causing disease commonly in the lungs, kidneys and upper respiratory tracts. There are sparse reported cases in Africans and have been reported to be rare in African-Americans. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose it because of its rarity and nonspecific symptoms at presentation. This is a case report of a 28-year-old with musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, nose/sinuses and kidneys presentation. The index patient was being managed for orbital cellulitis, pan sinusitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis following a tooth extraction until he developed a rapidly progressive renal failure hence the suspicion of GPA. Presence of Sinusitis, acute kidney injury and positivity for cytoplasmic Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) ultimately helped made the diagnosis.