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Spontaneous Gastrointestinal Perforation as a Rare Complication of Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (Wegener’s Granulomatosis): A Case Report


Authors : Dr. J. G. Vagadiya; Dr. Bhargav Trivedi; Dr. Disha Padhi; Dr. Harpal Gadhvi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4tfp6xkj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug1300

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that primarily affects the respiratory tract and kidneys, while gastrointestinal involvement is uncommon. We report a rare case of gastrointestinal perforation as a complication of GPA. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and features of generalized peritonitis, and imaging revealed hollow-viscus perforation. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, which identified intestinal perforation requiring resection and appropriate surgical management. Histopathological examination demonstrated features consistent with vasculitic involvement. Gastrointestinal manifestations of GPA may include abdominal pain, ulceration, bleeding, ischemia, obstruction, and perforation, with perforation being a rare but potentially fatal complication. Early recognition of gastrointestinal involvement, prompt surgical intervention when indicated, and appropriate immunosuppressive therapy are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. This case highlights the importance of considering GPA as an underlying cause of gastrointestinal perforation, particularly in patients with known or suspected systemic vasculitis.

Keywords : Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis; Wegener’s Granulomatosis; Gastrointestinal Perforation; Intestinal Perforation; Systemic Vasculitis; ANCA-Associated Vasculitis; Acute Abdomen; Bowel Ischemia.

References :

  1. Robson JC, Grayson PC, Ponte C, Suppiah R, Craven A, Judge A, et al. 2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria for granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2022;74(3):393–399. doi:10.1002/art.41986. PPubMed
  2. Hellmich B, Sanchez-Alamo B, Schirmer JH, Berti A, Blockmans D, Cid MC, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis: 2022 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2024;83(1):30–47. doi:10.1136/ard-2022-223764. PPubMed
  3. Sanchez-Alamo B, Schirmer JH, Hellmich B, Jayne D, Monti S, Tomasson G, et al. Systematic literature review informing the 2022 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis: Part 2—Treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and diagnosis and general management of AAV. RMD Open. 2023;9(2):e003083. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003083. PPubMed
  4. Robson JC, Grayson PC, Ponte C, Suppiah R, Craven A, Judge A, et al. 2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria for granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022;81(3):315–320. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221795. PPubMed

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that primarily affects the respiratory tract and kidneys, while gastrointestinal involvement is uncommon. We report a rare case of gastrointestinal perforation as a complication of GPA. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and features of generalized peritonitis, and imaging revealed hollow-viscus perforation. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, which identified intestinal perforation requiring resection and appropriate surgical management. Histopathological examination demonstrated features consistent with vasculitic involvement. Gastrointestinal manifestations of GPA may include abdominal pain, ulceration, bleeding, ischemia, obstruction, and perforation, with perforation being a rare but potentially fatal complication. Early recognition of gastrointestinal involvement, prompt surgical intervention when indicated, and appropriate immunosuppressive therapy are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. This case highlights the importance of considering GPA as an underlying cause of gastrointestinal perforation, particularly in patients with known or suspected systemic vasculitis.

Keywords : Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis; Wegener’s Granulomatosis; Gastrointestinal Perforation; Intestinal Perforation; Systemic Vasculitis; ANCA-Associated Vasculitis; Acute Abdomen; Bowel Ischemia.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - October - 2026

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