title: Wegener's granulomatosis: the current understanding.
abstract: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare systemic disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract, glomerulonephritis and vasculitis. It occurs as a limited form or generalized form and usually presents with nonspecific symptoms in its early stages, making the diagnosis of this disease more elusive. Strawberry gingivitis is the most common oral manifestation and is characteristic. Prompt recognition of this early manifestation is of utmost importance for the institution of early treatment, thereby avoiding serious complications. The present paper selectively reviews the literature regarding the current status of WG with respect to diagnosis, laboratory features, and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, India. salivaryduct@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ponniah
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shaheen
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Shankar
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Kumaran
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / Q000097:blood; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055502:Secondary Prevention
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone