[Primary manifestation of Wegener's granulomatosis of the prostate]

In approximately 2-7% of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis involvement of the prostate has been demonstrated histologically. This usually comes about quite late in the course of disease, after generalization of the granulomatous vasculitis from respiratory tract to kidneys and other organs. The patient we present had a highly atypical first manifestation of Wegener's granulomatosis in the prostate, generalized vasculitis not developing until later. When a biopsy shows unclear granulomatous changes in the prostate, a test for anticytoplasmatic antibodies should be performed in addition to the conventional serologic and cultural examinations. Anticytoplasmatic antibodies are highly specific for the diagnosis of active Wegener's granulomatosis. Early diagnosis and immediate initiation of immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids can prevent or limit organ damage and improve the prognosis in Wegener's granulomatosis.