Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

05:12
Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
Published on: September 19, 2019
[Wegener's granulomatosis presenting with ischaemic stroke]
Maria Wieteska1, Liliana Wawrzyńska, Elzbieta Wiatr
1Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych Klatki Piersiowej Instytutu Gruźlicy i Chorób Płuc w Warszawie.
Pneumonologia I Alergologia Polska
|October 11, 2008
Summary
Wegener's granulomatosis, a rare vasculitis, can cause unexpected neurological issues like stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment with chemotherapy led to significant improvement in this patient.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis affecting multiple organs.
- WG primarily involves the respiratory tract and kidneys, but can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman presented with pulmonary nodules, hilar lymphadenopathy, and sudden-onset hemiparesis.
- Cerebral computed tomography confirmed an ischemic stroke, an unusual neurological manifestation for WG.
Findings:
- Histological examination of a lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis.
- The patient received combination chemotherapy with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering WG in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and pulmonary findings.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of WG can lead to significant improvement in both neurological and systemic conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...

