"Wegener's Granulomatosis"—a Triad

It is proposed that Wegener's granulomatosis be considered a clinicopathological triad, since it involves primarily three systems: vascular, respiratory, and renal. Pathologically, it is a focal necrotizing vasculitis which involves both arteries and veins and produces necrotizing granulomas of the respiratory tract and a focal glomerulonephritis. Clinically, it is manifested by intractable rhinitis and sinusitis, nodular pulmonary lesions, and terminal uremia. The recognition of these findings as a triad facilitates earlier diagnosis. The criteria outlined were fulfilled in the case, here presented, of a 57-year-old man. The treatment included administration of antibiotics and steroids, but did not appear to affect the outcome of the disease. The etiology is unknown.