[Variety of initial symptoms in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis]

Wegener's granulomatosis is a necrotizing vasculitis with heterogenous initial symptoms what may still cause diagnostic problems. We present analysis of initial symptoms of 14 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis to evaluate their value in early diagnosis. Involvement of kidneys as well as upper and lower airways may suggest the diagnosis. Acute onset with intensified general symptoms may provoke more intensive diagnostic procedures and the diagnosis can be established earlier. In patients with non-acute onset the diagnosis may be delay, in some cases a few years after the first symptoms.