Analysis of Bronchial Tissue and Fluid in Patients With Wegener's Granulomatosis
Analysis of Bronchial Tissue and Fluid in Patients With Wegener's Granulomatosis
This study will collect fluid and tissue samples from the bronchi (air passages to the lungs)
 of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis for laboratory examination. Wegener's
 granulomatosis is a type of vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation) that can affect many parts
 of the body, including the brain, nerves, eyes, skin, sinuses, kidneys, intestinal tract,
 joints, heart, lungs and other sites. About 85 percent of patients have lung involvement. The
 lining of the bronchi (bronchial mucosa) is composed of cells that produce mucus,
 inflammatory cells, and inflammatory mediators (chemicals produced in response to
 inflammation). Analysis of these various substances may provide insight into what causes
 different types of lung problems in Wegener's granulomatosis.

 Patients between 18 and 75 years of age with Wegener's granulomatosis who require
 bronchoscopy to evaluate the cause of their lung problem may be eligible for this study.

 Participants will undergo a bronchoscopy in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU). For this
 procedure, the mouth and throat are numbed with lidocaine jelly and spray. If needed, a
 sedative is given for comfort. A small plastic tube (intravenous catheter) is placed in a
 vein to give medications. A pencil-thin tube is then placed through the nose or mouth into
 the lung airways to examine the airways carefully.

 At the time of the bronchoscopy, patients in this study will undergo the following additional
 procedures:

 -  Bronchoalveolar lavage - Saline (salt water) is injected through the bronchoscope into
 the air passage, acting as a rinse. A sample of the fluid is then withdrawn and examined
 for infection, inflammatory cells and inflammatory chemicals. (This may be done as part
 of the standard medical care procedure.)

 -  Bronchial lavage - This procedure is similar to bronchoalveolar lavage, but less fluid
 is used to rinse larger airways.

 -  Bronchial mucosal biopsies - A small wire is inserted through the bronchoscope next to
 the bronchial lining. Forceps at the end of the wire pinch off a small piece of tissue
 for withdrawal and examination.

 The patient's heart rhythm and rate and oxygen levels are monitored during the procedure.
 When the procedures are finished, the patient is monitored in the ICU until the numbing
 effect of the anesthetic has worn off and then moves to a regular hospital bed for overnight.

 Patients whose test results show an isolated infection or isolated Wegener's lung tissue
 involvement and who are being treated or are eligible for treatment under another NIH
 protocol will be followed by X-ray for improvement of their infection or other lung
 involvement with treatment. Patients whose infection or lung tissue involvement improves may
 be asked to undergo a second bronchoscopy as described above, but for research purposes only.
Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic vasculitis in which parenchymal and/or endobronchial
 inflammation frequently occur. The purpose of this investigation is to analyze bronchial and
 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis for the presence of
 immunoregulatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines. We will also be examining mucosal
 biopsies in these patients to define the histologic changes, the phenotype of infiltrating
 leukocytes, and the pattern of adhesion molecule expression that may be present. Such studies
 could lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and of its
 pulmonary manifestations and provide potential directions for future therapy.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

 Diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis based on clinical and histological characteristics.

 Age between 18-75 years.

 Bronchoscopy is required as part of their standard medical care.

 FEV1 is greater than 55 percent of FVC.

 O2 saturation is greater than 90 percent.

 EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

 FEV1 is less than 55% of FVC.

 O2 saturation is less than 90%.

 Abnormal PT, PTT, or platelet count less than 50.

 History of adverse reaction to lidocaine or other local anesthetics.

 Pregnancy.