Subglottic stenosis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis): Report of 4 cases

• Published in: Reumatologia clinica Vol. 12; no. 5; p. 267
• Main Authors: Horta-Baas, Gabriel, Hernández-Cabrera, María Fernanda, Catana, Rocío, Pérez-Cristóbal, Mario, Barile-Fabris, Leonor Adriana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Combined Modality Therapy; Dilatation; Female; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis - diagnosis; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis - therapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Tracheostomy; Granulomatosis with polyangiitis; Estenosis subglótica; Granulomatosis de Wegener; Subglottic stenosis; Wegener's granulomatosis; Granulomatosis con poliangitis
• ISSN: 1885-1398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2015.10.009

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) may result from active disease or from chronic recurrent inflammation. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical features and treatment of patients with subglottic stenosis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with SGS due to GPA diagnosed at Rheumatology deparment between January 2000 and June 2015. We present 4 cases of SGS at our department during a period of 15 years. The interval between the presentation of the GPA and SGS varied between 2 and 144 months. The leading symptoms of SGS were dyspnoea on exertion and stridor. Three patients presented SGS without evidence of systemic activity. Two patients presented SGS grade i and received tracheal dilatation; two recurred and three needed a tracheostomy due to severe airway-limiting stenosis. SGS presents high morbidity. Even though subglottic dilatation provides symptomatic relief, recurrences may present. Severe airway-limiting stenosis often requires tracheostomy.