Intestinal perforation as an early complication in Wegener's granulomatosis

We present the case of a young man with involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in the early phase of Wegener's granulomatosis. The patient presented at the emergency department with sudden onset of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Radiography work up was negative for free air although ultrasound examination showed extraluminal intra-abdominal fluid. Exploratory laparotomy showed perforation of the jejunum. The bowel was vital except for this small segment of jejunum. A 5-cm long segment of jejunum was resected which revealed ulcerative inflammation accompanied by occluded arteries of the small intestine. Although intestinal perforation in Wegener's granulomatosis is uncommon, several cases have been previously reported. Intestinal involvement in the early phase of the disease is even more uncommon. This case combined with previously reported cases emphasizes the possibility of gastrointestinal manifestation early in Wegener's disease. (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.