Vasculitis

Overview

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessel system which includes the veins arteries and capillaries. Vasculitis may affect blood vessels of any type size or location and therefore can cause dysfunction in any organ system including the central and peripheral nervous systems. The disorder may occur alone or with other disorders such as temporal arteritis. Temporal arteritis (also called cranial or giant cell arteritis) is an inflammation of the temporal artery (which runs over the temple beside the eye).

Mild cases of vasculitis are generally not life-threatening while severe cases (involving major organ systems) may be permanently disabling or fatal. The prognosis for individuals with temporal arteritis is generally good. With treatment most individuals achieve complete remission however vision loss should it occur may be irreversible.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vasculitis depend on which blood vessels are involved and what organs in the body are affected. They may include any of the following:

  • abdominal pain
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • joint pain
  • neurologic dysfunction
  • renal insufficiency
  • weakness

If accompanied by temporal arteritis the following additional symptoms may occur:

  • anemia
  • increased sweating
  • muscle pain
  • pain when chewing
  • severe headaches
  • shaking
  • tenderness in the temple
  • vision loss
  • weight loss

Causes

The exact cause of vasculitis is unknown. However hepatitis and certain other viruses and infections as well as allergic reactions to some drugs may act as triggers.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder and the individual's general health. Treatment may include cortisone or cytotoxic drugs. Other treatments may include plasmapheresis (the removal and reinfusion of blood plasma) intravenous gammaglobulin and cyclosporin.

Treatment for temporal arteritis and its associated symptoms generally includes corticosteroid therapy. Early detection of temporal arteritis and immediate treatment are essential to prevent vision loss.