Vasculitis (inflammation of the arteries)
About Vasculitis (inflammation of the arteries)
The walls of blood vessels are damaged by inflammation. The arteries are primarily involved leading to decrease blood flow. This decreased blood flow causes the damage and symptoms experienced. Vasculitis can involve large or small blood vessel in any area of the body. Examples of vasculitis include giant cell arteritis, temporal arteritis, ANCA positive vasculitis (Wegener's granulomatosis), and small vessel vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura, lupus).Symptoms
Symptoms involve any body part being supplied by the affected artery. Symptoms include: skin rash, painful spots on fingers or toes that turn blue, ulcers that do not heal, joint pain, abdominal pain, numbness and/or tingling in an arm or leg, decrease function of an arm or leg, fever, headache, seizures.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A series of special blood tests and a biopsy can help identify the exact type of vasculitis.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy is aimed at reducing the inflammation in the arteries. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the disease. Corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone) are almost always used. For severe vasculitis, cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) is often necessary.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Rheumatology · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Rheumatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Vasculitis (inflammation of the arteries).