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{{Infobox medical condition (new)
{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Vasculitis
| name            = Vasculitis
| synonyms        = Vasculitides<ref name="urlVasculitis - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary">{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Vasculitis|title=Vasculitis - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary|accessdate=2009-01-08|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701173404/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasculitis|archivedate=2016-07-01}}</ref>
| image          = [[File:HSP_Vasculitis.jpg|250px]]
| image          = Vasculitis.JPG
| caption        = Skin lesions due to [[Henoch-Schönlein purpura]], a type of vasculitis
| caption        = [[Petechia]] and [[purpura]] on the [[lower limb]] due to medication-induced vasculitis.
| field          = [[Rheumatology]]
| field          = [[Rheumatology]]
| pronounce      = {{IPAc-en|v|æ|s|k|j|ʊ|ˈ|l|aɪ|t|ɪ|s}}
| symptoms        = [[Fever]], [[fatigue]], [[weight loss]], [[muscle pain]], [[joint pain]], [[rash]], [[nerve damage]]
| symptoms        = Weight loss, [[fever]], [[myalgia]], [[purpura]]
| complications  = [[Organ damage]], [[aneurysm]], [[blood clots]]
| complications  = [[Gangrene]], [[heart attack|Myocardial infarction]]
| onset          = Any age, varies by type
| onset          =  
| duration        = Varies, can be acute or chronic
| duration        =  
| types          = [[Giant cell arteritis]], [[Kawasaki disease]], [[Polyarteritis nodosa]], [[Wegener's granulomatosis]], [[Henoch-Schönlein purpura]], [[Microscopic polyangiitis]]
| types          =  
| causes          = [[Autoimmune disease]], [[infection]], [[medications]], [[cancer]]
| causes          =  
| risks          = [[Genetic factors]], [[environmental factors]], [[infections]], [[medications]]
| risks          =  
| diagnosis      = [[Blood tests]], [[imaging studies]], [[biopsy]]
| diagnosis      =  
| differential    = [[Infection]], [[thrombosis]], [[neoplasm]]
| differential    =  
| treatment      = [[Corticosteroids]], [[immunosuppressive drugs]], [[biologics]], [[plasmapheresis]]
| prevention      =
| prognosis      = Varies by type and severity
| treatment      =  
| frequency      = Rare, varies by type
| medication      =
| prognosis      =  
| frequency      =  
| deaths          =
}}
}}
'''Vasculitis''' encompasses a set of disorders characterized by the destructive inflammation of [[blood vessel]]s.<ref name="urlGlossary of dermatopathological terms. DermNet NZ">{{cite web |url=http://dermnetnz.org/pathology/pathology-glossary.html |title=Glossary of dermatopathological terms. DermNet NZ |accessdate=2009-01-08 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220232449/http://dermnetnz.org/pathology/pathology-glossary.html |archivedate=2008-12-20 }}</ref> This inflammation affects both the [[artery|arteries]] and [[vein]]s of the circulatory system. In some contexts, [[Lymphangitis]], which involves inflammation of the lymph vessels, is also considered a form of vasculitis.<ref>{{DorlandsDict|eight/000114505|Vasculitis}}</ref> The primary cause of vasculitis is the migration of [[white blood cell|leukocytes]] or white blood cells, which leads to subsequent damage to the vessel walls.
{{Short description|Inflammation of blood vessels}}
 
[[File:Churg-Strauss_syndrome_-_very_high_mag.jpg|Churg-Strauss syndrome under very high magnification|left|thumb]]
While inflammation of veins ([[phlebitis]]) or arteries ([[arteritis]]) can occur in vasculitis, these conditions are distinct entities when they occur independently of vasculitis.
[[File:Vasculitis_FDG_PET-CT.png|Vasculitis as seen on FDG PET-CT|left|thumb]]
 
'''Vasculitis''' is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, which reduces the width of the passageway through the vessel. If blood flow is restricted, it can result in organ and tissue damage. Vasculitis can affect any of the body's blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.
==Classification==
Vasculitis is classified based on the size of the blood vessels affected:
===Large vessel vasculitis===
* [[Giant cell arteritis]]
* [[Takayasu's arteritis]]
===Medium vessel vasculitis===
* [[Polyarteritis nodosa]]
* [[Kawasaki disease]]
===Small vessel vasculitis===
* [[Granulomatosis with polyangiitis]]
* [[Microscopic polyangiitis]]
* [[Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis]] (formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome)
==Signs and symptoms==
==Signs and symptoms==
The symptoms of vasculitis can vary widely, depending on the specific blood vessels involved.<ref name="urlThe Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center - Symptoms of Vasculitis">{{cite web |url=http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/whatis/symptoms.html |title=The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center - Symptoms of Vasculitis |accessdate=2009-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227141353/http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/whatis/symptoms.html |archive-date=27 February 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Some possible symptoms include:
The symptoms of vasculitis vary greatly and depend on the organs affected. Common symptoms include:
 
* Fever
General symptoms: These could include [[Fever|fever]] and weight loss.
* Fatigue
Skin: Visible [[purpura]] (small blood vessels that burst to form red or purple spots on the skin) or [[livedo reticularis]] (a condition that causes a purplish discoloration of the skin) may be present.
* Weight loss
Muscles and joints: [[Myalgia]] (muscle pain) or [[myositis]] (muscle inflammation), [[arthralgia]] (joint pain) or [[arthritis]] (joint inflammation) could be experienced.
* Muscle and joint pain
Nervous system: Symptoms can include [[Mononeuritis multiplex]] (damage to multiple individual nerve fibers), [[headache]], [[stroke]], [[tinnitus]] (ringing in the ears), reduced [[visual acuity]] (sharpness of vision), or acute [[visual loss]].
* Loss of appetite
Heart and arteries: [[Myocardial infarction]] (heart attack), [[hypertension]] (high blood pressure), and [[gangrene]] (tissue death due to lack of blood supply) could occur.
==Causes==
Respiratory tract: [[Epistaxis|Nose bleeds]], [[hemoptysis|bloody cough]], and lung infiltrates may be present.
The exact cause of vasculitis is often unknown. It can be triggered by infections, medications, or other diseases. Some forms of vasculitis are associated with autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract: [[Abdominal pain]], [[melena|bloody stool]], and perforations can occur.
==Diagnosis==
Kidneys: [[Glomerulonephritis]] (a type of kidney disease) can occur.
Diagnosis of vasculitis typically involves a combination of:
==Cause==
* Blood tests
 
* Imaging studies such as [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]]
===Classification===
* Biopsy of affected tissue
Vasculitis can be classified based on its cause, the location of the inflammation, the type of blood vessel involved,
{| class="wikitable"
| [[granulomatosis with polyangiitis]] (Churg-Strauss) || Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody || Myeloperoxidase || High Eosinophil count, elevated CRP
|-
| Henoch-Schönlein purpura || None || None || Increased IgA
|-
| '''Medium and large vessel vasculitis''' || || ||
|-
| Polyarteritis nodosa || Hepatitis B surface antigen and Hepatitis B surface antibody || Hepatitis B virus || Elevated ESR, anemia, leukocytosis, increased serum IgA, C-ANCA
|-
| Kawasaki disease || None || None || Elevated ESR, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, increased serum IgA and IgG, sterile pyuria, CSF pleocytosis
|-
| Takayasu arteritis || None || None || Elevated ESR, anemia
|-
| Giant cell (temporal) arteritis || None || None || Elevated ESR, anemia
|}
 
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The primary treatment is with [[corticosteroid]]s and, in some cases, [[immunosuppressant]] drugs. For some forms of vasculitis, treatment may include [[plasmapheresis]] (removal and reinfusion of the patient's own blood after treatment to remove antibodies), or [[intravenous immunoglobulin]] (IVIG).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/education/forms/giantcellarteritis/ |title=Giant Cell Arteritis |publisher=Vasculitis Foundation |accessdate=21 October 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023020236/http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/education/forms/giantcellarteritis/ |archivedate=23 October 2015 }}</ref>
Treatment depends on the type and severity of vasculitis. Common treatments include:
 
* Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
In some cases, the underlying cause of the vasculitis may be treatable, as in the case of hepatitis C-induced vasculitis. In these cases, treatment of the underlying cause may lead to a resolution of the vasculitis.
* Immunosuppressive drugs
 
* Biologic agents
Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for vasculitis, and these are often used in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs. In general, the goal is to reduce inflammation in the affected blood vessels, and to suppress the immune response causing the disease.
 
While the treatment of vasculitis has significantly improved over the last 50 years, the disease can cause serious complications, and it is therefore considered a serious condition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/vasculitis |title=Vasculitis |publisher=National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) |accessdate=21 October 2023 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102170236/https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/vasculitis |archivedate=2 January 2023 }}</ref>
 
The specific treatment plan depends on the type and severity of vasculitis, and the organs involved. For instance, in large vessel vasculitis such as Takayasu's arteritis, treatment is usually a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. In contrast, small vessel vasculitis such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura may resolve on its own without treatment, though corticosteroids can be used to alleviate symptoms.
 
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for vasculitis varies widely depending on the type of vasculitis, the severity of the condition, and the overall health of the patient. In general, early detection and treatment of vasculitis can significantly improve the prognosis.
The prognosis for vasculitis varies. Some forms are mild and resolve on their own, while others can be life-threatening without treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better outcome.
 
==See also==
For some forms of vasculitis, such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura in children, the prognosis is generally good, with most children recovering without any serious long-term complications.
* [[Autoimmune disease]]
 
* [[Inflammation]]
However, for other forms of vasculitis, such as Wegener's granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with polyangiitis) and Microscopic polyangiitis, the prognosis can be more serious. Without treatment, these conditions can be life-threatening. Even with treatment, there can be serious complications, including kidney failure and other organ damage.
* [[Immune system]]
 
In some cases, vasculitis can become a chronic condition, requiring long-term management with medications to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups of the disease.
 
The prognosis can also be influenced by the presence of other underlying health conditions, such as hepatitis B in the case of Polyarteritis nodosa, which can make the vasculitis more difficult to treat.
 
In general, it's important for individuals with vasculitis to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their condition and monitor for potential complications.
 
==Epidemiology==
The incidence and prevalence of vasculitis varies widely depending on the specific type of vasculitis. Some forms of vasculitis, like Giant Cell Arteritis, are relatively common, especially in older adults. Other forms, like Kawasaki disease, are more common in children. Some forms of vasculitis, like Takayasu arteritis, are much rarer.
 
The incidence of vasculitis also varies by geographic region and ethnicity. For example, Giant Cell Arteritis primarily affects people of Northern European descent, and is rare in people of Asian, African, and Hispanic descent. Kawasaki disease, on the other hand, is much more common in people of Asian descent, particularly in Japan.
 
Overall, vasculitis is not a common condition, but it can be serious and potentially life-threatening, so early detection and treatment is crucial.
 
==References==
<references />
 
==External links==
* [http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/ Vasculitis Foundation]
* [https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/vasculitis National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Vasculitis]
 
[[Category:Vasculitis| ]] [[Category:Rheumatology]] [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] [[Category:Immunology]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
 
== External links ==
{{Medical resources
|  DiseasesDB      = 13750 
|  ICD10          = {{ICD10|I|77|6|i|70}}, {{ICD10|I|80||i|80}}, {{ICD10|L|95||l|80}}, {{ICD10|M|30||m|30}}-{{ICD10|M|31||m|30}} 
|  ICD9            = {{ICD9|446}}, {{ICD9|447.6}} 
|  ICDO            = 
|  OMIM            = 
|  MedlinePlus    = 
|  eMedicineSubj  = 
|  eMedicineTopic  = 
|  MeshID          = D014657
}}
{{Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology}}
{{Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology}}
{{Vascular diseases}}
{{Vascular diseases}}
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[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Vascular-related cutaneous conditions]]
[[Category:Vascular-related cutaneous conditions]]
[[Category:Vascular diseases]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]

Latest revision as of 21:06, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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Vasculitis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fever, fatigue, weight loss, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, nerve damage
Complications Organ damage, aneurysm, blood clots
Onset Any age, varies by type
Duration Varies, can be acute or chronic
Types Giant cell arteritis, Kawasaki disease, Polyarteritis nodosa, Wegener's granulomatosis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Microscopic polyangiitis
Causes Autoimmune disease, infection, medications, cancer
Risks Genetic factors, environmental factors, infections, medications
Diagnosis Blood tests, imaging studies, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Infection, thrombosis, neoplasm
Prevention N/A
Treatment Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, biologics, plasmapheresis
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies by type and severity
Frequency Rare, varies by type
Deaths N/A


Inflammation of blood vessels


Churg-Strauss syndrome under very high magnification
Vasculitis as seen on FDG PET-CT

Vasculitis is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, which reduces the width of the passageway through the vessel. If blood flow is restricted, it can result in organ and tissue damage. Vasculitis can affect any of the body's blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Classification[edit]

Vasculitis is classified based on the size of the blood vessels affected:

Large vessel vasculitis[edit]

Medium vessel vasculitis[edit]

Small vessel vasculitis[edit]

Signs and symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of vasculitis vary greatly and depend on the organs affected. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Loss of appetite

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of vasculitis is often unknown. It can be triggered by infections, medications, or other diseases. Some forms of vasculitis are associated with autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of vasculitis typically involves a combination of:

  • Blood tests
  • Imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI
  • Biopsy of affected tissue

Treatment[edit]

Treatment depends on the type and severity of vasculitis. Common treatments include:

  • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
  • Immunosuppressive drugs
  • Biologic agents

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for vasculitis varies. Some forms are mild and resolve on their own, while others can be life-threatening without treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better outcome.

See also[edit]

Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology
Growths
Rashes
With
epidermal
involvement
Eczematous
Scaling
Blistering
Papular
Pustular
Without
epidermal
involvement
Miscellaneous
disorders


Cardiovascular disease (vessels)
Arteries, arterioles
and capillaries
Inflammation
Peripheral artery disease
Aneurysm / dissection /
pseudoaneurysm
Vascular malformation
Vascular nevus
Veins
Arteries or veins
Blood pressure


Cutaneous vasculitis and other vascular-related cutaneous conditions
Cutaneous vasculitis
Microvascular occlusion
Purpura
Systemic vasculitis
Vascular malformations



Systemic connective tissue disorders
General
Other hypersensitivity/autoimmune
Other


Inflammation
Symptoms
Mechanism
Tests
General


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