Vasculitis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis starts with a medical history and a physical exam. You may have one or more tests and procedures to confirm vasculitis or rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Tests and procedures may include:

• Blood tests: These check for signs of inflammation such as a high C-reactive protein level. A complete blood count shows whether you have enough red blood cells. The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test looks for certain antibodies that can help diagnose vasculitis.

• Imaging tests: Imaging can show which blood vessels and organs are affected and how your body responds to treatment. These may include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans.

• X-rays of blood vessels (angiography): A flexible catheter is placed into a large artery or vein, and dye is injected to make blood vessels visible on X-rays. This helps reveal vessel narrowing or blockages.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope to look for signs of vasculitis.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and managing any underlying conditions that cause vasculitis. Because most types of vasculitis can come back, long-term monitoring may be needed even after symptoms improve.

Medications
A corticosteroid medicine such as prednisone (Rayos) is the most common treatment to control inflammation.

• Long-term corticosteroid use can cause side effects, including weight gain, diabetes, and weakened bones.

• To reduce side effects, your healthcare professional may combine corticosteroids with other medicines, depending on the type and severity of vasculitis.

Other medicines may include:

• Methotrexate (Trexall)

• Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan)

• Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)

• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

• Tocilizumab (Actemra)

• Rituximab (Rituxan)

Which medicine you receive depends on the specific type of vasculitis, the organs involved, and your overall health.

Surgery
In some cases, vasculitis may cause an aneurysm, a balloonlike bulge in a blood vessel wall. Surgery may be needed to prevent rupture. Surgery can also help restore blood flow in arteries blocked by inflammation.