Wegener's granulomatosis: prolonged patient survival after pneumonectomy and renal transplantation

Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed in a 42-year-old female 16 years ago. From the outset there was upper respiratory, pulmonary, and renal involvement. Over the years she received varying combinations of glucocorticoids and azathioprine. Renal function deteriorated, and she was treated by hemodialysis and living related donor transplantation 9 and 10 years, respectively, after the onset of the disease. 3 months prior to transplantation, the patient had a right pneumonectomy for bronchial stenosis, bronchiectasis and repeated sepsis. 5 years' posttransplantation, she is well and has no signs of activity of original disease.