Autoimmune

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of disorders where blood vessel walls become inflamed, leading to a range of symptoms. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help control inflammation and protect your health.

Vasculitis is a group of disorders in which blood vessel walls become inflamed. This inflammation can affect arteries, veins or capillaries of any size. Some forms involve only one organ, while others affect multiple parts of the body. Certain types involve large vessels, such as giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. Others affect medium or small vessels, including polyarteritis nodosa and ANCA-associated vasculitides.

Symptoms of vasculitis vary widely. Common signs include unexplained fever, persistent fatigue, weight loss, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes or ulcers, numbness or weakness, and symptoms of organ involvement such as shortness of breath or blood in the urine.

Causes and Risk Factors
Vasculitis most often occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessel walls. Triggers may include infections, certain medications or other autoimmune conditions. In some cases, the cause is unknown. Risk factors vary by type but may include age, genetics, and a history of infections or autoimmune disease.

Diagnosis
Our team at TidalHealth begins with a detailed review of symptoms and a physical exam. Diagnosis may include blood tests to check for inflammation or specific antibodies, urinalysis, imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT or MRI, and sometimes a tissue biopsy. A biopsy is often the most reliable way to confirm vasculitis.

Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and protecting affected organs. Care often begins with corticosteroids and may include other medications that suppress the immune system. Treatment plans are tailored to the type and severity of vasculitis, with close monitoring for response and side effects. Early diagnosis and coordinated specialist care can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

What is vasculitis?
Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. It can affect vessels of different sizes and may reduce blood flow to organs and tissues, leading to a wide range of symptoms.

What causes vasculitis?
Vasculitis usually develops when the immune system attacks blood vessel walls. Possible triggers include infections, medications or other autoimmune diseases. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.

How is vasculitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a thorough clinical evaluation at TidalHealth, supported by blood tests for inflammation and autoantibodies such as ANCA, urinalysis and imaging studies. A tissue biopsy is often used to confirm the diagnosis.

Is vasculitis curable?
Some types of vasculitis can go into long-term remission with treatment, while others require ongoing management. Early care can lower the risk of permanent organ damage.

How is vasculitis treated?
Treatment usually starts with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Other immune-suppressing medications, such as methotrexate, azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, may be used. Some patients may benefit from biologic therapies. Ongoing monitoring is important.

What are signs that I should seek emergency care?
Seek immediate care for sudden or severe symptoms, including trouble breathing, sudden vision changes, chest pain, a severe headache, sudden weakness or numbness, heavy or bloody urine, or bleeding that will not stop.

Can vasculitis come back after treatment?
Yes. Vasculitis can recur, and most patients need long-term follow-up to monitor for relapse and manage treatment.

Who should I see if vasculitis is suspected?
Start with your primary care practitioner, who can arrange testing and refer you to appropriate TidalHealth specialists, such as rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, dermatology or vascular care, based on your needs.