Vasculitis (Inflammation Of The Arteries)
Description
The walls of blood vessels are damaged by inflammation. The arteries are primarily involved leading to decrease blood flow. This decreased blood flow causes the damage and symptoms experienced. Vasculitis can involve any area of the body and has many causes. The most common causes are: autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome), infections, and medication reactions.
Symptoms
Symptoms involve any body part being supplied by the affected artery. Symptoms include: skin lesion, fingers or toes that turn blue, black fingers or toes due to tissue death, pain and tenderness, skin redness, ulcers that do not heal, joint pain, abdominal pain, numbness, tingling in an arm or leg, decrease function of an arm or leg, fever, headache, seizures.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A series of special blood tests and a biopsy can help with the identification of the cause.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at reducing the inflammation in the arteries. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the disease but may include: steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other autoimmune medications.
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