Vasculitis is a term that encompasses a group of uncommon diseases characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, both arteries and veins. With a wide variety of types, symptoms, severity, and duration vary significantly. The incidence of vasculitis affects people of both sexes and all ages, with certain specific types manifesting in particular groups. For example, Kawasaki disease is exclusive to children, while giant cell arteritis occurs in adults over 50 years of age. Vasculitis can compromise blood flow to tissues throughout the body, such as the lungs, nerves and skin, resulting in a diverse range of signs and symptoms, ranging from shortness of breath and coughing to numbness, weakness, spots skin redness and sores.
Causes and Diagnosis
The cause of vasculitis in most cases remains unknown, although genetic factors and the possibility of an autoimmune response are considered important. In addition, some forms of vasculitis can be triggered by drug reactions or chronic infections such as hepatitis B or C virus. Diagnosing vasculitis involves evaluating symptoms, abnormal physical exam findings, and laboratory tests, and the exclusion of other possible causes. Biopsies, angiograms, and blood tests are common tools used by doctors to determine the type and severity of vasculitis.
subtypes
With a classification ranging from larger to smaller arteries, the diversity of vasculitis manifests itself in different subtypes, each with their own distinctive characteristics.
Large arteries
- Giant Cell Arteritis : Affects the aorta and main branches, common in adults over 50 years of age.
- Takayasu’s arteritis : Affects the aorta and its branches, predominantly in young women.
Arteries of Medium Size
- Kawasaki disease : It mainly affects children and can have cardiac complications.
- Polyarteritis Nodosa : Inflammation of medium-sized arteries, with impact on several organs.
Arteries of Small and Medium Size
Vasculitis Linked to ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies):
- Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (Wegener) : Affects kidneys, lungs and respiratory tract.
- Microscopic polyangiitis : It focuses on small vessels, mainly affecting kidneys and lungs.
- Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (Churg-Strauss) : It affects the lungs and can present allergic symptoms.
Arteries of small size
- IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) : More common in children, it affects the skin, joints, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
- Vasculitis Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematous and Sjögren’s Syndrome : Associated with rheumatic diseases.
- Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis : Related to the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood.
- Anti-MBG Disease (Goodpasture Syndrome) : Affects lungs and kidneys.
How is it treated?
Treatment of vasculitis involves the use of glucocorticoids and, in more severe cases, other immunosuppressive medications. Surgery may be necessary to treat severe damage. Living with vasculitis involves dealing with not only the medical aspects, but also the side effects of treatments, such as fatigue, pain, and concerns about infection. Collaboration between different specialists, including rheumatologists, dermatologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists and more, is essential to provide comprehensive care to patients with vasculitis.