Vasculitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can affect blood vessels of any type, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, and it can occur in various parts of the body. The inflammation can cause narrowing, weakening, thickening, or scarring of the blood vessel walls, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the severity and location of the inflammation.
There are many different types of vasculitis, classified based on the size of the blood vessels affected, the specific organs involved, and the underlying cause of the inflammation. Some common types of vasculitis include:
- Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis)
- Takayasu arteritis
- Polyarteritis nodosa
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis)
- Microscopic polyangiitis
- Churg-Strauss syndrome (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis)
- Behçet’s disease
- Kawasaki disease (primarily affects children)
The symptoms of vasculitis can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition, but they may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, nerve problems, and organ dysfunction. The diagnosis of vasculitis often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes tissue biopsy.
Treatment for vasculitis typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. The specific medications prescribed may vary depending on the type and severity of the vasculitis. In some cases, additional treatments such as plasmapheresis (a procedure to remove antibodies from the blood) or surgery may be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in managing vasculitis and preventing complications.