VASCULITIS

TYPES

Vasculitis is classified into several types:

• Behcet’s disease
• Buerger’s disease
• Churg-Strauss syndrome
• Cryoglobulinemia
• Giant cell arteritis
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• Henoch-Schonlein purpura
• Kawasaki disease
• Takayasu’s arteritis

SYMPTOMS

Vasculitis presents with a variety of signs and symptoms. They’re consistently related to decreased blood flow all throughout the body.

General signs and symptoms of vasculitis include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Pain
• Night sweats
• Rash
• Nerve problems

Signs and symptoms of various kinds of vasculitis include:

• Behcet’s disease

Signs and symptoms include mouth and genital ulcers, eye problems, and skin problems like skin bruises.

• Buerger’s disease

This affects the blood vessels of your hands and feet, creating pain and ulcers in these areas

• Cryoglobulinemia

This is due to some abnormal proteins in the blood. Signs and symptoms include rash, joint pains, and weakness.

• Churg-Strauss syndrome

This is an uncommon condition that affects the lungs, kidneys, heart, skin, and nerves. It can cause asthma, nerve problems, and allergies.

• Giant cell arteritis

This is brought about by inflammation of the blood vessels of the head. It can cause headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision problems.

• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

This affects the blood vessels in your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys. Signs and symptoms include nasal stuffiness, sinusitis, nosebleeds and coughing out of blood.

Other types:

• Henoch-Schonlein purpura
• Hypersensitivity vasculitis
• Kawasaki disease
• Microscopic polyangiitis
• Polyarteritis nodosa
• Takayasu’s arteritis

DIAGNOSIS

The following tests may be used to diagnose vasculitis:

• Blood tests

These tests, which may include C-reactive protein, may check for exacerbations

• Urine tests

These tests may reveal whether your urine contains red blood cells or has increased levels of protein, which can point to a medical problem

• Imaging tests

Noninvasive imaging tests can help view what blood vessels and organs are affected.

• X-rays of your veins (angiography)

A catheter may be used to look inside blood vessels

• Biopsy

A small piece of tissue is obtained from an area in the body

TREATMENT

Treatment aims to control inflammation with medicines and prevent any triggers that may set off your vasculitis. Medicines may include anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids.

Many people find success if treatment is started early. However, there are some who experience flare-ups later in life.