Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of disorders characterised by inflammation of blood vessel walls. This inflammation can cause swelling, narrowing, weakening, or blockage of affected vessels, reducing blood flow to tissues and organs. Depending on the size and location of the blood vessels involved, vasculitis may affect the skin, kidneys, lungs, nerves, eyes, joints, digestive system, or brain.

Some forms of vasculitis develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessels, while others may be associated with infections, medications, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers. Common types include giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and IgA vasculitis.

Symptoms vary considerably and may include fever, fatigue, weight loss, muscle or joint pain, skin rashes, headaches, breathing difficulties, abdominal discomfort, numbness, or organ-specific problems. Diagnosis generally involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, blood and urine tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a biopsy of affected tissue.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of vasculitis. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medicines may be used to control inflammation and prevent organ damage. Some patients require targeted biological therapies or treatment of an underlying infection or condition. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring are important because untreated vasculitis can lead to serious complications, including permanent organ damage.