Wegener's Granulomatosis Presenting as Bilateral Facial Paralysis / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Wegener's granulomatosis is a granulomatous inflammatory process with necrotizing vasculitis. It can involve any organ in body, but primarily affects upper and lower respiratory tracts or kidney. We recently experienced an interesting case of Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as bilateral facial paralysis. A 54-year-old man was suffering from nasal stuffiness and rhinorrhea and treated with antibiotics. In spite of the treatment, the nasal symptoms were aggravated and left facial paralysis was developed suddenly with left hearing impairment. Diagnosis as Wegener's granulomatosis was supported by biopsy from nasal cavity. He underwent medical therapy with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. About 3 months after development of left facial paralysis, right facial paralysis was emerged abruptly. At 6 months after discharge, his facial nerve continued to function at a House-Brackmann grade III level.