[Wegener's granulomatosis]

Diagnostic difficulties have been described together with the course of hospital treatment of a 48-year old female patient who suffered from Wegener's granulomatosis. A first, the patient was treated by various specialists because of otolaryngological, ophthalmic, rheumatic and respiratory symptoms. Despite numerous symptoms suggesting Wegener's granulomatosis, ineffective treatment had been instituted for two months. Appropriate diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical symptoms and histological examination od lung biopsy. In the course of hospital diagnostic procedures, symptoms of kidney failure occurred. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisone was instituted which resulted in remission of both radiological and clinical symptoms, however, the prognosis is still poor. The patient will requires long-term therapy with cyclophosphamide and a number of complications related to the therapy can be expected.