Vol.21 No.2

Case Report

Wegener’s granulomatosis complicated by pulmonary embolism: a case report and review of the literature

Authors

Michael Hughes1,2 , James Burgess1 , Nikesh Parekh3

  • Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
  • 54 Northdown Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1NE, UK
  • King’s College University, London, UK
Received:

6 April 2010

Accepted:

13 September 2010

Published online:

15 October 2010

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Abstract

We describe the case of a 79-year-old lady who developed pulmonary emboli on a background of active Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG). The literature reports an increased association of venous thromboembolic disease and the small vessel vasculitides, including WG. This case report explores the issues surrounding systemic anticoagulation in the context of a systemic vasculitis that predisposes to severe bleeding, in particular from the respiratory tract.

Key words

Wegener’s - Pulmonary - Embolism - Vasculitis