Systemic Vasculitis

Systemic vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of disorders with blood-vessel inflammation causing ischemia/infarction/aneurysm. Classification (Chapel Hill): large-vessel (GCA, Takayasu); medium-vessel (PAN, Kawasaki); small-vessel (GPA/MPA/EGPA, cryoglobulinemic, IgA/HSV, cutaneous LCV); variable-vessel (Behçet, Cogan); single-organ/immune/drug/infection-associated. Clinical: fever, weight loss, arthralgia, skin purpura/nodules, mononeuritis multiplex, renal/pulmonary/GI/CNS involvement. Diagnosis: ANCA, ANA, complements, cryoglobulins, biopsy, angiography, imaging. Treatment: glucocorticoids; cyclophosphamide/rituximab for severe/ANCA-associated; azathioprine/methotrexate maintenance; biologic agents; treat triggers (infection/HBV/HCV/drugs); supportive (BP control, organ support); follow-up rheumatology/nephrology/neurology/pulmonology/dermatology.

Common Symptoms

Fever; weight loss; purpura/nodules; mononeuritis multiplex; organ ischemia

Causes and Pathogenesis

Immune-mediated inflammation of vessel walls causes ischemia/aneurysm/infarction.

Treatment

Glucocorticoids; cyclophosphamide/rituximab; maintenance; treat trigger; supportive

Preventive Measures

Early diagnosis; treat infection/HBV/HCV; organ monitoring.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Rheumatology/Nephrology/Pulmonology/Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.