Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

About Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a form of vasculitis (inflammatory vessel disease) that affects blood flow to your ears, nose, throat, lungs, and kidneys. As a result of this disrupted blood flow, these tissues can develop regions of inflammations called granulomas that impair organ function.

Along with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), GPA is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. In these diseases, vascular inflammation is caused by antibodies called ANCAs.

Symptoms of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis can vary depending on which organ systems are affected.

Symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis may include:

• Blood in urine
• Coughing or wheezing
• Drainage or stuffiness from the nose
• Ear inflammation and hearing difficulty
• Eye inflammation and vision difficulty
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Sinus infections

Risk Factors for Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is more prevalent in certain patient populations.

Risk factors for granulomatosis with polyangiitis may include:

• Age: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis most commonly occurs in those between the ages of 40 and 65.
• Health history: Infections can lead to granulomas.

Treating Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis at UT Health AUstin

Like all forms of vasculitis, corticosteroids like prednisone can be used to address the inflammation associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Your physician may prescribe an immunosuppressant medication such as rituximab, methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place. The Vasculitis Clinic care team includes rheumatologists, nurses, and medical assistants who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to develop the best treatment plan for you. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Learn More About Your Care Team