Vasculitis
Overview
What is Vasculitis?
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels, including the arteries and veins, and its presentation can range from mild to life-threatening. There are many types of vasculitis and the cause of this rare condition is usually not known. It can affect anyone of any age and often results in poor blood flow. Early detection of severe vasculitis can prevent permanent damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Vasculitis
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with vasculitis, some of these are, but not limited to:
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Vasculitis
Your rheumatologist may want to take blood tests, perform a biopsy of the affected tissue, or order an angiography to detect abnormalities of your blood vessels.
Treatments
Treatments for Vasculitis
Vasculitic diseases are most often treated with medications such as glucocorticoids, which help reduce inflammation. Other immune-suppressing medications may also be used. In severe cases, plasma exchange may be used. When damage from severe vasculitis has already occurred, surgery may be necessary, such as bypass grafting to redirect blood flow from a blocked blood vessel.
Trials
Clinical Trials
The rheumatologists at Saint John’s Physician Partners have been integrally involved in the development of medications that treat inflammatory arthritis conditions for decades. They were involved in the clinical trials that led to the approval at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (SpA), osteoarthritis, and other bone and skin conditions like osteoporosis and psoriasis advanced therapies, some of which are biologic treatments.
Specialists
Vasculitis Specialists
Orrin Troum, M.D. and Amro Elbalkhi, M.D. provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for rheumatic diseases including inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), scleroderma, myositis, gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. The Medical Doctors of Saint Johns strive to provide world class care and a personalized treatment plan for all patients and their families.
