The vasculitides

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

The vasculitides or vasculitis syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders involving inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels

The clinical effects and classification depending on the size of the vessels involved.

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

More common causes are the small vessel vasculitis effects associated with many important diseases such as;

• rheumatoid arthritis
• SLE
• infective endocarditis
• Henoch–Schonlein purpura
• Hepatitis B.

Skin lesions and arthritis are usually associated with these disorders.

Question 3

The major vasculitides are:

Answer 3

polyarteritis nodosa

giant cell arteritis/polymyalgia rheumatica

Wegener’s granulomatosis

Behcet syndrome

Churg–Strauss vasculitis

Takayasu’s arteritis

Question 4

What would happen if undiagnosed?

Answer 4

The problem is fatal kidney disease if undiagnosed.

If a CTD or vasculitide is suspected:

1. order an ANCA test.
2. always dipstick urine (+ blood and albumin), micro-urine and check BP.
   * If +ve indicates kidney disease and need for referral.