Vasculitis Veins – SP Medifort Hospital

Vasculitis Veins Treatment

Vasculitis Veins Treatment In Trivandrum

Vasculitis is a group of rare conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels, causing them to become inflamed, swollen, narrowed, or damaged. This inflammation can affect arteries, veins, and capillaries anywhere in the body, reducing or blocking blood flow and potentially harming tissues and organs.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of vasculitis?

Symptoms vary depending on which blood vessels and organs are affected, but may include:

Fever.
Fatigue.
Weight loss.
Skin rashes, bumps, or ulcers.
Joint and muscle pain.
Numbness or tingling.
Shortness of breath.
Vision problems or headaches.
Abdominal or kidney issues.

What are the different types of vasculitis?

There are many forms of vasculitis, including:

Giant Cell Arteritis: Affects large and medium arteries in the head, especially temples. Symptoms include headaches, jaw pain, and vision problems, and early treatment is important to prevent complications.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s): Impacts small to medium vessels in the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. Causes sinus infections, cough, shortness of breath, and kidney issues, requiring immunosuppressive treatment.
Henoch‑Schönlein Purpura (HSP): Common in children, affecting small vessels in skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. Symptoms include purplish rash, joint pain, and abdominal discomfort, often resolving on its own
Takayasu Arteritis: Affects the aorta and its large branches, mostly in young women. Leads to fatigue, reduced pulse, high blood pressure, and may need medication or surgery to manage inflammation.

What causes vasculitis?

The exact cause of vasculitis is often unknown, but it can be triggered by:

Autoimmune Reactions: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy blood vessels, causing inflammation.
Infections or Viral Triggers: Some bacterial or viral infections can trigger the blood vessels to become inflamed.
Certain Medications or Drug Reactions: Some drugs may cause allergic or inflammatory reactions in the blood vessels.
Underlying Diseases: Diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation in the blood vessels.
Unknown Causes: Sometimes, doctors cannot identify a specific reason why vasculitis occurs.

Diagnosis of Vasculitis

Diagnosis of vasculitis include:

Physical examination: The doctor examines the legs while the person is standing to look for visible, swollen, or twisted veins. They may also ask about symptoms such as pain, swelling, or heaviness in the legs.

Blood Tests: Blood tests help detect signs of inflammation and check how your blood is functioning. For example, a high C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can indicate inflammation. A complete blood count (CBC) shows if you have enough red blood cells, and specific tests like the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test can detect antibodies linked to certain types of vasculitis. These tests give doctors important clues to confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging Tests: Imaging tests help doctors see which blood vessels and organs are affected and how they respond to treatment. Common imaging methods include ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans. These tests provide detailed pictures of the vessels and organs, helping to identify inflammation, narrowing, or damage.

Angiography (X-rays of Blood Vessels) : Angiography involves inserting a thin flexible tube (catheter) into a large artery or vein. A special dye is injected through the catheter, and X-rays are taken as the dye moves through the blood vessels. This shows the shape of the vessels, any blockages, narrowing, or aneurysms caused by vasculitis.

Biopsy: In a biopsy, a doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the affected area, such as the skin, kidney, or artery. The tissue is examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation or damage to blood vessels, which helps confirm the type and severity of vasculitis.

What are the vasculitis veins risk factors?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing vasculitis by affecting blood vessel health or triggering inflammation.

Age : Some types of vasculitis are more common in older adults, while others affect children.

Gender : Certain types are more likely in women (e.g., Takayasu arteritis) or men depending on the type.

Autoimmune Disorders: People with autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk.

Infections : Past bacterial or viral infections may trigger vasculitis.

Genetics / Family History: A family history of autoimmune or vascular diseases may increase the likelihood.

Medications : Some drugs can trigger inflammatory reactions in blood vessels.

What treatment options are available for vasculitis?

The treatment for vasculitis depends on the type, severity, and organs affected.

Medications: Medications for vasculitis aim to reduce inflammation and prevent organ damage. Corticosteroids like prednisone are often used first to quickly relieve symptoms. Immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, or rituximab help stop the immune system from attacking blood vessels in moderate to severe cases. Doctors may also prescribe supportive medications, including pain relievers, blood pressure medicines, or drugs to protect organs like the kidneys, depending on individual needs.

Surgery: In severe cases of vasculitis, doctors may use surgery to repair or bypass damaged blood vessels. In rare situations, a treatment called plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) can remove harmful antibodies from the blood to help control the disease.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle and self-care can help manage vasculitis and support overall health. Eating a healthy diet helps reduce inflammation and protect organs, while regular exercise improves blood flow and fitness. Monitoring symptoms allows early treatment of flare-ups, and people taking immunosuppressive drugs should take care to avoid infections.