Pulmonary vasculitis

Abstract

Pulmonary vasculitis often remains difficult to recognize, especially because this type of pulmonary 'orphan' disease is seldom encountered by pulmonary physicians. Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, and Churg-Strauss syndrome are the three biggest vasculitides with pulmonary manifestations. All three are associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, which have become a major biological diagnostic tool. Early diagnosis of pulmonary vasculitis is necessary to start treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressors without delay.