Issue 12/2022
G. Markov, N. Andonova, Y. Zdravkov,
A. Oscar
Eye Diseases Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, Alexandrovska UMBAL
Medical University of Sofia
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with a possible autoimmune genesis. It is characterized by occlusive vasculitis of small-to-middle caliber blood vessels (small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and venules), and necrotizing granulomatous lesions affecting predominantly the upper and lower airways and the kidneys. The diagnosis is based on the clinical exam, the serologic testing for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and on the histologic analysis of biopsy material (necrotizing granulomatous lesions, vasculitis with a predominant neutrophil infiltration). Ocular involvement has been described in up to 50% of the patients with GPA and any ocular, orbital or adnexal structure may be involved. Therapy relies on the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents.
Address for correspondence:
G. Markov
Clinic for eye diseases, “Alexandrovska” UMBAL
1 „Georgui Sofyiski“ Blvd.
1463 Sofia
e-mail: dr.georgimarkov@gmail.com