Vasculitis

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. There are many different types based on the size of the blood vessels involved, such as small, medium or large vessel vasculitis, or a specific location in your body.

Symptoms

Skin rash
Ulcers
Cough or difficulty breathing
Numbness and tingling
Fevers
Fatigue

Risk factors

Genetic factors
Smoking

Diagnosing vasculitis

Detailed medical history and physical examination
Laboratory testing
Biopsy in some cases
Imaging (angiogram and other types) in some cases

Treating vasculitis

Medications: Prednisone, methotrexate, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate and azathioprine