The role of bronchoscopy in diagnosing granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A reminder of a recognized entity
Eurasian Journal of Pulmonology, cilt.28, sa.1, ss.48-52, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 28 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.14744/ejp.2025.58931
- Dergi Adı: Eurasian Journal of Pulmonology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.48-52
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, bronchoscopy, endobronchial involvement, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, lung
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotizing granulomatous small-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through histopathological examination of tissue biopsies. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is a minimally invasive and effective diagnostic tool, especially in cases with endobronchial involvement. A 57-year-old male patient presented with rhinorrhea, intermittent epistaxis, headache, fatigue, and night sweats. Despite multiple courses of antibiotics for presumed sinusitis, no significant clinical improvement was observed. Although the patient had no lower respiratory tract symptoms, chest radiography revealed bilateral parenchymal infiltrates, and thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed consolidation in bilateral upper lobes and multiple nodules in peribronchovascular areas. FOB revealed increased vascularity, erythema, edema, and inflammatory lesions in the bilateral upper lobes. Forceps biopsies confirmed a necroinflammatory process due to vasculopathy, and the presence of positive cytoplasmic (c)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) supported the diagnosis of GPA. In conclusion, bronchoscopic examination is a valuable diagnostic procedure in patients, as it reveals endobronchial involvement and identifies appropriate biopsy sites.