Isolated abdominal vasculitis as an atypical presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis

Although current classifications characterize vasculitic syndromes based up on the size of the vessels involved, the histopathology, and the presence o r absence of antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies ANCA (1-3), those occa sional patients with vasculitis whose features are not typical may evade di agnosis and effective treatment. We report one such patient who presented w ith bilateral refractory uveitis and abdominal angina who had a positive C- ANCA. Because of his atypical presentation, this patient's disease progress ed over 8 yr despite an extensive gastrointestinal evaluation, before a dia gnosis of vasculitis was established angiographically, and immunosuppressiv e therapy was begun. (Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:297-298. (C) 2000 by Am. C oll. of Gastroenterology).