Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of disorders that destroy blood vessels by inflammation. Both arteries and veins can be affected. Lymphangitis is sometimes considered a type of vasculitis. It can affect any blood vessel in the body. Depending on which vessels are affected and the severity of inflammation, vasculitis can range from minor to life-threatening.

8

Symptoms

2

Causes

4

Treatments

2

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Vasculitis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Night sweats
  • Rashes
  • Nerve problems (numbness, weakness)
  • Organ-specific symptoms depending on which vessels are affected

Causes

  • Autoimmune attack on vessel walls
  • Can be associated with other conditions: lupus, RA, Hepatitis B or C, drug reactions

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (CBC, ESR, CRP, ANCA)
  • Urine tests
  • Biopsy of affected tissue
  • Angiography
  • CT, MRI, PET scans

Treatment

  • Corticosteroids (mainstay of treatment)
  • Immunosuppressants (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine)
  • Biologic agents (rituximab)
  • Plasma exchange

Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune disease history
  • Certain infections (Hepatitis B and C)
  • Certain medications
  • Age varies by type

Prevention

  • No specific prevention
  • Vaccination against Hepatitis B may prevent one form

Prevalence

Collectively affects about 3 million people in the US. Prevalence varies greatly by type.

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