Vasculitis

Definition

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels, which can disrupt normal blood flow and damage organs and tissues. It can affect arteries, veins, and capillaries in any part of the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vasculitis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or as a reaction to certain medications.
2. Symptoms of vasculitis can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, muscle and joint pain, and specific organ dysfunction depending on which vessels are affected.
3. Diagnosis often involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, and sometimes biopsy of affected tissue.
4. Treatment may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and immunosuppressive drugs to control the immune response.
5. Vasculitis can lead to serious complications such as aneurysms, organ damage from reduced blood flow, or even death if not properly managed.

Review Questions

• What are common causes of vasculitis?
• Which diagnostic methods are typically used for detecting vasculitis?
• What are the potential complications if vasculitis is left untreated?

Related terms

Arteritis: Inflammation specifically affecting the arteries.

Autoimmune Disease: A condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

Corticosteroids: A class of steroid hormones used to reduce inflammation in various conditions including vasculitis.