Systemic vasculitis is a serious medical condition that affects blood flow and vessel function, often occurring with autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include fatigue, skin lesions, and neurological impairment. Treatment involves immunosuppressive drugs, but can have serious side effects. Prognosis depends on the severity of symptoms and overall health.
Systemic vasculitis is a serious medical condition that negatively affects blood flow and blood vessel function. Often occurring in the presence of an autoimmune disease, systemic vasculitis has the potential to cause tissue necrosis or death, due to impaired flow of oxygenated blood. Treatment for this condition focuses on slowing its progression and usually involves the administration of immunosuppressive drugs.
The onset of systemic vasculitis, also known as systemic necrotizing vasculitis, usually occurs in the presence of an autoimmune disease, such as polyarteritis nodosa or rheumatoid arthritis, and may be considered a complication of the preexisting condition. There is no known cause for the development of blood vessel inflammation that characterizes this rare condition. Systemic vasculitis is a progressive disease that can affect the function of blood vessels anywhere in the body and ultimately compromise the health of tissues and organs.
Individuals who develop systemic necrotizing vasculitis can experience a variety of signs and symptoms that can affect different body systems. Early onset of the disease is usually characterized by the presence of pronounced fatigue, fever, and involuntary weight loss. Some symptomatic individuals may develop skin lesions, rashes, ulcerated tissue, or marked discoloration of the skin affecting the limbs or fingers. Tissues deprived of oxygen can eventually begin to deteriorate, causing inflammation and discomfort in the affected area.
Systemic necrotizing vasculitis can also adversely affect one’s neurological function, causing speech, movement, and vision impairment. Individuals may also develop chronic headaches, seizures, or personality changes. Some may experience pain, tingling, or weakness in their limbs and fingers. In some cases, joint disorders may occur, causing inflammation, spasms and atrophy of the affected muscle tissues. Other symptoms associated with this form of vasculitis can include abdominal discomfort and bloody stools.
There are several tests that can be done to confirm a diagnosis of systemic vasculitis. After a physical exam and initial consultation, an individual may be referred for a neurological exam that assesses the functionality of their cognitive, sensory, and motor skills. A sedimentation rate test may be given to measure existing inflammation, and blood tests may be used to evaluate liver function and antibody levels. Additional tests may include a nerve biopsy, to evaluate any nerve damage that may exist, and a urinalysis.
Treatment for systemic vasculitis generally focuses on slowing the progression of the disease. Commonly, corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can be given to suppress the body’s immune response to the presence of inflammation. Low-dose application of a steroid drug as part of a long-term treatment regimen often serves to reduce inflammation, but can put the individual at serious risk for side effects which can include fluid retention, compromised immunity, and osteoporosis. Additional anti-inflammatory drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, may also be used to treat severe vasculitis symptoms; although prolonged use can induce side effects which include fatigue, joint discomfort and reduced kidney function.
The prognosis associated with systemic vasculitis depends on the presentation of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the individual’s overall health. Individuals with this form of vasculitis may have an increased risk of developing secondary infections that can spread to other parts of the body. Organs or tissues exhibiting vasculitis-induced systemic necrosis may sustain long-lasting physical or functional deterioration.
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