# What is Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-huwa-al-waram-al-habibi-al-waaey-ma-altaab-al-aweyah-gpa Language: en Category: oncology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.942Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.942Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-huwa-al-waram-al-habibi-al-waaey-ma-altaab-al-aweyah-gpa Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation leads to the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, limiting blood flow to vital organs and causing damage to them [\[2\]](). GPA is classified as a type of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, which are autoantibodies where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues [\[1\]](). This disease can affect any organ, but it most often affects the sinuses, nose, trachea, lungs, and kidneys [\[2\]](). ## Organs Most Affected by GPA Although Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis can affect any part of the body, certain organs are commonly affected. These include: - **Lungs and Sinuses:** These are often the most affected areas, which may lead to symptoms such as coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and recurrent sinus infections [\[1\]](). - **Nose and Trachea:** Inflammation in these areas can lead to a runny nose that does not improve, changes in the nose, and respiratory problems [\[2\]](). - **Kidneys:** GPA can affect the kidneys, which may cause blood or protein in the urine, and in severe cases, may lead to kidney damage [\[1\]](). - **Eyes, Ears, and Skin:** Symptoms may appear as changes in vision, redness and itching in the eyes, tinnitus or hearing loss, or skin rashes and bruising [\[1\]](). ## Symptoms of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) GPA symptoms develop gradually or appear suddenly [\[1\]](). General symptoms may include the following: - Fatigue and exhaustion [\[1\]]() - Fever [\[1\]]() - General body and joint aches [\[2\]]() - Loss of appetite and weight loss [\[1\]]() - Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose that does not improve [\[2\]]() In addition to general symptoms, specific symptoms may appear depending on the affected organs, such as coughing up blood or shortness of breath when the lungs are affected, or blood in the urine when the kidneys are affected [\[1\]](). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a physician to determine the cause. ## Diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) The diagnosis of GPA is based on a combination of tests, as no single test can confirm the diagnosis on its own. Common diagnostic methods include: - **Blood Tests:** An antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test is performed to look for these antibodies, which are often present in GPA patients [\[1\]](). Test results may also show the type of antibodies present, such as cANCA or pANCA, which helps determine the type of vasculitis [\[1\]](). - **Chest X-ray:** Used to evaluate the condition of the lungs and detect any signs of inflammation or damage [\[2\]](). - **Biopsy:** A biopsy is an important procedure to confirm the diagnosis. A small sample of tissue or cells, often from an inflamed blood vessel, is taken for examination under a microscope [\[1\]](). The physician must take into account the results of all tests in addition to the patient's clinical symptoms to reach an accurate diagnosis [\[1\]](). To learn more about this rare disease, you can visit the article [Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA): A Rare Multisystem Disease (Arabic)](). ## Important Next Steps If you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as severe fatigue, fever, joint pain, or respiratory symptoms like coughing up blood or shortness of breath, it is essential to see a doctor immediately to evaluate your condition [\[1\]](). Early diagnosis and immediate treatment of GPA are important to improve outcomes and limit organ damage [\[2\]](). Do not attempt to diagnose or treat your condition yourself. ## Medical references - [Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) Test]() - [Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-huwa-al-waram-al-habibi-al-waaey-ma-altaab-al-aweyah-gpa#answer