Vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels which results in narrowing of the vessel’s canal. The narrowing is related to the vessel wall thickening. The thickened blood vessel reduces blood flow to that part of the body. The narrowing of blood vessels has the potential of causing serious complications as tissues, and vital organs may become damaged.
Any sex, race, or age group can develop vasculitis.
Vasculitis can occur in any blood vessel. This may involve any arteries, veins, or capillaries found in the body. Vasculitis can affect one organ or many simultaneously.
There are several categories used to describe the different types of vasculitis. They are usually categorized based on the size of the blood vessel that the condition affects.
Vasculitis is believed to be related to the body attacking the blood vessels causing inflammation to the area. However, the exact mechanism of action of this occurring is not fully understood. It can occur alone or in conjunction with other autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjorgen’s syndrome.
There are some risk factors associated with the development of vasculitis:
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How vasculitis may present can vary from person to person. Symptoms are dependent on the type of vasculitis one possesses as well as what organ is involved. The symptoms may be short-lived or can linger and be a long-term problem. The most common symptoms include:
Complications associated with severe vasculitis include:
As with most health conditions, vasculitis is diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider after performing a comprehensive medical history and physical exam. This is vital as vasculitis may mimic many different medical conditions. Several blood tests and imaging such as x-rays and CT scans may also be ordered to help with the diagnosis.
There are a variety of tests that can be used to help with diagnosis, but not one test can confirm vasculitis. Currently, the most definitive way to confirm the diagnosis of vasculitis is through biopsy of the skin, affected blood vessel, organ, or nerve.
The goal for treatment in vasculitis is to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels or organs affected to prevent permanent damage.
Some non-surgical options for the management of vasculitis include:
Surgical options include:
If you or someone you know is fighting this rare condition, there are healthcare providers at TeleMed2U that are familiar with this condition and effective treatment options that may be available to you. The first step in overcoming vasculitis is to become informed and learn what your options may be. Getting more information and the care you need is only one phone call away.
Medically reviewed by:
Dr Roy Kedem started his premedical studies at Harvard, and research in genetics and gene sequencing at Harvard, Beth Israel. He attended medical school in the UK at the Cambridge Overseas Medical Program in 1998. Dr Kedem then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in Stamford, Connecticut and his fellowship in Hospital Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
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