Overview
What is Vasculitis?
Vasculitis refers to the inflammation of blood vessels. It affects blood vessels of different types, sizes and location, ranging from the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the skin to large vessels like the aorta. As a result of inflammation, blood vessel walls may become weakened, leading to further narrowing and scarring. These changes can reduce blood flow, resulting in organ and tissue damage.
What are the Types of Vasculitis?
The types of vasculitis are categorised by the size of blood vessels involved.
Large Vessels
Medium-sized Vessels
Medium to Small-sized Vessels
Small Vessels
Who are at Risk of Vasculitis?
Vasculitis is uncommon. It is estimated that 100 to 300 in every million are affected worldwide. The onset of symptoms varies across different age groups and genders depending on the type of vasculitis.
Factors that increase the risk of vasculitis include smoking, chronic hepatitis B or C and having underlying autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).
[Affected artery in the head (located at the temple) due to Giant cell arteritis (GCA), a type of vasculitis.]
Photo retrieved from Nature.
Photo retrieved from British Medical Journal.
Causes
The causes of vasculitis are largely unknown. Certain types of vasculitis may be due to infection (caused by bacteria and viruses) or medication.
People with vasculitis often feel unwell with fever, fatigue and experience weight loss.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms vary depending on the body part(s) affected by the blood vessel inflammation.
Detection & Treatment
How is Vasculitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be challenging as the symptoms and signs may be similar to other conditions (e.g. infection). Diagnosis is based on assessment of symptom, laboratory tests and imaging studies.
Tests include:
Specialist referral may also be needed for further tests. Examples include biopsies of body tissues (e.g. skin, blood vessels, kidney, nerve) and examination of ear, nose and throat.
What Is the Treatment for Vasculitis?
Currently, there is no cure for vasculitis. Effective treatment is available to control inflammation, limit organ damage and prevent relapse. Individualised treatment is prescribed based on the type of vasculitis, age and disease severity. Treatment includes:
For more information and support, scan the QR code below or access https://www.vasculitis.org.uk to find out more.
Can the Condition be Cured?
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in providing the best chances in controlling the inflammation and preventing permanent damage to organs and tissues.
Overall, the outcome depends on the type of vasculitis, disease severity and individual response to treatment. Symptoms often take about 6-12 months to achieve good control. Suppression of symptoms can be life-long but long term maintenance therapy is needed. Condition left untreated is associated with high risk of permanent organ damage and even death.
Specialties & Services
