Vasculitis (cont.)
How is vasculitis diagnosed?
Laboratory testing of blood or body fluids in a patient
with active vasculitis generally indicates inflammation in the body. Depending
on the degree of organ involvement, a variety of organ function tests can be
abnormal.
The diagnosis of vasculitis is definitively established
after a biopsy of involved tissue demonstrates the pattern of blood vessel
inflammation. Examples of tissues used for biopsy include skin, sinuses, lung,
nerve, and kidney. Depending upon the situation, an
alternative to biopsy can be an x-ray test of the blood vessels
called an angiogram, which can demonstrate characteristic patterns of inflammation
in affected blood vessels.
How is vasculitis treated?
The treatment of the various forms of vasculitis is based
on the severity of the illness and the organs involved. Treatments are generally
directed toward stopping the inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Typically, cortisone-related medications, such as
prednisone, are used. Additionally, other immune suppression drugs,
such as cyclophosphamide
(Cytoxan) and others, are considered. Additionally, affected organs (such as the
heart or lungs) may require specific medical treatment when the disease is active.
The management of vasculitis is an evolving field in medicine. The
ideal programs for monitoring and treatment will continue to improve
as disease patterns and causes are defined by medical research.
Vasculitis At A Glance
- Vasculitis is a group of uncommon diseases which
feature inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Diagnosis of vasculitis can be confirmed by a biopsy of
involved tissue or angiography.
- Treatment is directed toward decreasing the inflammation of
the blood vessels and improving the function of affected organs.
Reference: Clinical Primer of Rheumatology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, edited by William Koopman, et. al., 2003.
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et.al., 2000.
Last Editorial Review: 5/12/2008
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