Overview

Vasculitis refers to a group of autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to restricted blood flow and potential damage to organs and tissues. It can affect any blood vessel in the body, ranging from small capillaries to large arteries. Vasculitis can vary in severity, from mild cases to life-threatening conditions involving multiple organ systems. Our vasculitis services provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and management, aimed at controlling the inflammation, preventing damage to vital organs, and improving quality of life.

Diagnostic Procedures

1. Clinical Evaluation:
   • A thorough review of symptoms, including skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, and organ-specific symptoms. Physical exams will focus on signs of inflammation, such as swelling, redness, and ulcers.
2. Laboratory Tests:
   • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated levels of these markers suggest systemic inflammation.
   • Complete Blood Count (CBC): To detect anemia, abnormal white blood cell count, or thrombocytopenia.
   • Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA): Positive ANCA tests are associated with certain types of vasculitis, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis).
   • Complement Levels (C3, C4): Low levels may indicate active vasculitis, particularly in cases like lupus-related vasculitis.
3. Imaging Studies:
   • Angiography: X-rays or CT scans with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels and detect blockages, aneurysms, or vessel wall thickening.
   • Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in larger arteries and veins.
   • MRI or CT Scans: Used to evaluate organ involvement, particularly the brain, lungs, and kidneys.
4. Biopsy:
   • Tissue biopsies (skin, kidney, or lung) are often necessary to confirm vasculitis, particularly to examine blood vessels under a microscope and check for inflammation or tissue damage.
5. Urinalysis:
   • To check for blood or protein in the urine, indicating possible kidney involvement, which is common in several types of vasculitis.

Symptoms of Vasculitis

Vasculitis symptoms vary depending on which blood vessels and organs are affected, but common signs include:

• Skin Rashes or Ulcers: Purplish spots (purpura), nodules, or open sores.
• Fever and Fatigue: Generalized fatigue, low-grade fever, or feeling unwell.
• Joint Pain and Swelling: Arthritis-like symptoms, particularly in the hands, knees, or ankles.
• Organ-specific Symptoms:
  • Kidney Involvement: Blood in the urine, elevated blood pressure, or kidney failure.
  • Lung Involvement: Shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain due to inflammation of lung tissue.
  • Neurological Issues: Headaches, vision changes, or stroke-like symptoms if brain blood vessels are affected.
  • Abdominal Pain: When blood vessels in the intestines are inflamed.

Possible Treatments

1. Medications:
   • Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone): The primary treatment for reducing inflammation in blood vessels. These are often used at high doses initially and gradually tapered down as symptoms improve.
   • Immunosuppressive Drugs: Medications like methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, or azathioprine help control the immune system’s activity and reduce inflammation.
   • Biologic Agents: Targeted therapies like rituximab or tocilizumab, which block specific immune system pathways involved in vasculitis.
   • Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): For severe cases, this treatment filters out harmful antibodies from the blood, especially in cases like ANCA-associated vasculitis.
2. Symptom-specific Treatments:
   • Blood Pressure Management: Medications like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for patients with kidney involvement or high blood pressure.
   • Pain Relief: NSAIDs or stronger pain medications to manage joint and muscle pain caused by inflammation.
3. Physical and Occupational Therapy:
   • Rehabilitation Programs: To help patients regain strength, mobility, and daily function after flare-ups, especially those with joint or muscle involvement.
4. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Balanced Diet: To support overall health and manage symptoms of fatigue. A heart-healthy diet may be recommended for those with cardiovascular involvement.
   • Infection Prevention: Since immunosuppressive drugs increase infection risk, regular vaccinations (e.g., flu, pneumonia) are advised.
5. Monitoring and Regular Check-ups:
   • Continuous monitoring for disease activity and medication side effects. Blood tests and imaging may be repeated to assess treatment response and organ function.

Final Results

With appropriate treatment and consistent management, patients with vasculitis can achieve:

• Symptom Control: Reduced inflammation and fewer flare-ups, leading to less joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue.
• Organ Protection: Early detection and targeted treatment prevent irreversible damage to vital organs like the kidneys, lungs, or heart.
• Improved Quality of Life: By controlling the disease with medications and lifestyle changes, patients can return to normal activities and maintain a good quality of life.
• Disease Remission: Many patients can achieve long-term remission with ongoing immunosuppressive therapy and monitoring, allowing them to live with minimal or no disease activity.

Our multidisciplinary approach involves a team of rheumatologists, nephrologists, and pulmonologists, all working together to create a personalized treatment plan for each vasculitis patient. This ensures optimal care, targeted therapy, and the best possible outcomes.