Granulomatose

Granulomatosis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases characterized by the formation of granulomas. Granulomas are microscopic collections of immune cells, primarily macrophages, which attempt to wall off foreign substances or persistent irritants that the body cannot eliminate. These structures can form in various organs, leading to a diverse range of symptoms depending on the affected site.

The exact cause of granulomatous diseases is often unknown, but they are thought to arise from an abnormal immune response. Triggers can include infections (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections), inhaled foreign materials, certain medications, or autoimmune processes. When the immune system repeatedly fails to clear an offending agent, macrophages transform into epithelioid cells, and multinucleated giant cells may form from fused macrophages. These cells organize into granulomas.

Common granulomatous diseases include sarcoidosis, which can affect the lungs, skin, eyes, and lymph nodes; granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's granulomatosis), a vasculitis affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys; and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome), another vasculitis involving the lungs and other organs, often associated with asthma and elevated eosinophils. Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, can also exhibit granulomas in the intestinal wall.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (like X-rays or CT scans), and often a biopsy of affected tissue to identify the characteristic granulomas. Treatment strategies vary widely and depend on the specific condition, its severity, and the organs involved. Immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids, are frequently used to dampen the inflammatory response and prevent further granuloma formation and tissue damage.