Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Also called: GPA, Wegener’s Granulomatosis Summary Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a rare disease. It is a type of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels. The inflammation limits the flow of blood to important organs, causing damage. It can affect any organ, but it mainly affects the sinuses, nose, trachea (windpipe), lungs, and kidneys. The cause of GPA is unknown. It can affect people at any age. Men and women are equally affected. It is more common in whites. Symptoms may include joint pain, weakness, tiredness, and cold symptoms such as a runny nose that doesn’t get better. Doctors use blood tests, chest X-rays, and biopsies to diagnose GPA and rule out other causes of the symptoms. Early treatment is important. Most people improve with medicines to slow or stop the inflammation. NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Resources ANCA / MPO / PR3 Antibodies Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA): Know the Signs Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s) American College of Rheumatology Treating GPA and MPA: What Are the Options? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Wegener’s Granulomatosis Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis National Institutes of Health Genetics Genetics Home Reference: granulomatosis with polyangiitis National Library of Medicine Patient Handouts Granulomatosis with polyangiitis Journal Articles Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis