Vasculitis is characterized by inflammation in and damage to the walls of various blood vessels.

The cause is often unknown. Vasculitis can sometimes develop in conjunction with an infection. Vasculitis may also be related to other diseases of the immune system that the patient had for months or years. Vasculitis can affect arteries, veins and capillaries. Inflammation may cause the blood vessels become weakened, stretch and increase in size, or become narrow – even to the point of closing off entirely. The disruption in blood flow from inflammation can damage the body’s organs.

Specific signs and symptoms depend on which organ has been damaged and the extent of the damage. Common, but nonspecific complaints include fatigue, weakness, fever, arthralgia, abdominal pain, hypertension, renal insufficiency, and neurologic dysfunction. Ulcers in the mouth may be present in some types of vasculitis. People with vasculitis may experience a variety of skin changes, including purple or red spots. Lung symptoms may look like pneumonia, even though they are not.

An x-ray test of the blood vessels called an angiogram can demonstrate characteristic patterns of inflammation. Some of the tests used in the diagnosis of vasculitis include: blood tests, biopsy of tissue from a blood vessel or one of the affected organs. A biopsy is often the best way to make a firm diagnosis of vasculitis. ECG (electrocardiogram) is done to see if vasculitis is affecting the heart. MRI can be used to look for a vasculitis affecting the brain. A CT scan provides a computer generated x-ray image of the internal organs. CT scans can be used to look for vasculitis affecting the abdominal organs or the brain.

Most vasculitis in general is treated with steroids. For some forms of vasculitis, treatment must also include another immunosuppressive medication. The goal of immunosuppressive medication (which is used to treat cancer) is to suppress the abnormal immune response that has led to blood vessel damage.

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