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Vasculitis

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases that cause inflammation of your blood vessels. This inflammation can damage the walls of your blood vessels, narrow them, and restrict blood flow to your organs and tissues. There are many different types of vasculitis, and they can affect any size or type of blood vessel (arteries, veins, and capillaries) anywhere in your body.

 

Causes

The exact cause of vasculitis is unknown in most cases. However, several factors are thought to play a role, including:

  • Immune system abnormalities: In some cases, vasculitis may be caused by a problem with your immune system that causes it to attack healthy blood vessels.
  • Infections: Certain infections may trigger vasculitis.
  • Medications: Some medications can cause vasculitis as a side effect.
  • Certain medical conditions: Vasculitis can sometimes occur in association with other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hepatitis B.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of vasculitis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the organs involved. Some general symptoms of vasculitis may include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Pain (muscle, joint, headache)
  • Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
  • Skin rash (red or purple patches)
  • High blood pressure
  • Organ damage (depending on the affected organs)

Pictures of Vasculitis

Here are images depicting vasculitis affecting different parts of the body:

  • Cutaneous vasculitis: This type of vasculitis affects the skin and can cause a red or purple rash.
  • Microscopic polyangiitis: This type of vasculitis affects small blood vessels in the lungs and kidneys. It can cause shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and kidney failure.
  • Temporal arteritis: This type of vasculitis affects the temporal arteries on the sides of the head. It can cause headaches, scalp tenderness, and jaw pain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing vasculitis can be challenging because the symptoms can mimic other conditions. There is no single test that can diagnose vasculitis. Doctors may use a variety of tests to diagnose vasculitis, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, angiography)

 

Treatment

Treatment for vasculitis typically focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing further damage to your blood vessels. Medications used to treat vasculitis may include:

  • Corticosteroids: These medications help to reduce inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressants: These medications suppress your immune system to prevent it from attacking your blood vessels.
  • Other medications: Depending on the type of vasculitis, other medications, such as blood thinners or pain relievers, may be prescribed.

In some cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed to treat complications of vasculitis, such as aneurysms or blockages in blood vessels.

 

Living with Vasculitis

There is no cure for vasculitis, but treatment can help to control the condition and prevent complications. People with vasculitis may need to take medication for life and see their doctor regularly for monitoring. With proper treatment, many people with vasculitis can live active, productive lives.