What is Vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to thickening, weakening, narrowing, or scarring of the vessel walls, which may restrict blood flow to organs and tissues. Vasculitis can affect any blood vessel in the body and may be short-term or chronic.

What Are the Symptoms of Vasculitis?

Symptoms depend on the organs affected and the type of vasculitis, but common signs include

Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss
Muscle and joint pain
Headache
Numbness or weakness
Skin rashes, spots, or ulcers
Shortness of breath or cough
Abdominal pain or digestive issues
Vision problems

What Causes Vasculitis?

The exact cause is often unknown, but potential triggers include

Autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Infections like hepatitis B or C
Reactions to certain medications
Cancers such as blood or lymphatic cancers
Genetic factors in rare types

Types of Vasculitis

There are many forms, including

Giant cell arteritis – usually affects the arteries in the head
Takayasu’s arteritis – affects large arteries, especially in the aorta
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis – involves blood vessels in the nose, lungs, and kidneys
Microscopic polyangiitis – affects small blood vessels in various organs
Behçet’s disease – can affect blood vessels of all sizes, often with mouth and genital ulcers

How is Vasculitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a combination of

Medical history and physical examination
Blood tests for markers of inflammation and autoimmune activity
Urinalysis to check kidney function
Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, or angiography
Biopsy of affected tissue or blood vessels

How is Vasculitis Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition

Corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate or cyclophosphamide
Biologic therapies for certain autoimmune types
Treatment of underlying infections or conditions
Monitoring and support for organ function

What Are the Complications of Untreated Vasculitis?

If left untreated, vasculitis can lead to serious health issues, including

Organ damage (kidneys, lungs, heart, brain)
Aneurysms or ruptured blood vessels
Blood clots or stroke
Permanent nerve damage
Vision loss (in giant cell arteritis)

Living with Vasculitis

Take medications as prescribed and attend regular follow-ups
Report new or worsening symptoms promptly
Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise
Protect against infections while on immunosuppressive therapy
Join a support group or counseling for emotional well-being