Vasculitis

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures are recommended to diagnose vasculitis, this might include:

• Physical examination: A physical examination and a medical history will probably come first, according to the healthcare provider. To either rule out other conditions that mimic vasculitis or diagnose vasculitis, he or she can have you undergo one or more diagnostic tests and treatments. 
• Blood tests: The tests search for indications of inflammation, such as elevated C–reactive protein levels. Whether they have enough red blood cells can be determined by a complete blood count. Additionally, immune complexes or antibodies that may be connected to vasculitis can be found through blood tests. 
• Imaging tests: The damaged blood vessels and organs can be identified with the assistance of noninvasive imaging techniques. They can also support the healthcare provider in keeping track of how the patient is doing with the medication. The imaging procedures used to diagnose vasculitis include X–rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
• Angiography: A flexible catheter, similar to a thin straw, is placed during this surgery into a major artery or vein. After injecting a particular dye into the catheter, the artery or vein is filled with the dye while X–rays are being taken. The ensuing X–rays show the contours of your blood vessels.
• Biopsy: A small sample of tissue from the body part that is damaged is removed by the surgeon during this surgical operation. Healthcare provider then looks for vasculitis symptoms when examining this tissue.

Treatment

The specific type of vasculitis and the affected regions or organs dictate the precise approach to treatment. The primary objective of treatment is to address any underlying issues that may be causing the vasculitis and to control inflammation. 

• Medications: Prescriptions for corticosteroids, such prednisone, are most frequently given to treat vasculitis–related inflammation. Corticosteroid side effects can be significant, particularly if they are taken for an extended period of time. Diabetes, bone thinning, and weight gain are examples of potential adverse effects. If a corticosteroid is required for long–term therapy, the lowest dose likely will be given.

Corticosteroids may be taken along with other drugs to reduce inflammation and speed up the tapering of the corticosteroid dosage. Depending on the type of vasculitis that is present, different medications are given. These drugs may include cyclophosphamide, tocilizumab, rituximab, azathioprine, mycophenolate, methotrexate, and azathioprine.

Depending on the type and severity of the vasculitis, the organs implicated, and any additional medical issues the patient may have, the precise drugs required will vary.

• Surgery: An aneurysm, which is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel’s wall, can occasionally be brought on by vasculitis. To lower the chance that it will rupture, this the protrusion may require surgery. In order to restore blood flow to the affected area, blocked arteries may also need to be surgically treated.