Angiitis

Angiitis

Angiitis, also known as vasculitis, refers to the inflammation of blood vessels. This condition can affect arteries, veins, and capillaries, leading to a range of clinical manifestations depending on the size and location of the affected vessels. Angiitis can be a primary condition or secondary to other diseases.

Classification

Angiitis is classified based on the size of the affected blood vessels:

• Large vessel vasculitis: This includes conditions such as Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu's arteritis.
• Medium vessel vasculitis: This category includes Polyarteritis nodosa and Kawasaki disease.
• Small vessel vasculitis: Examples include Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis), Microscopic polyangiitis, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Etiology

The exact cause of angiitis is often unknown, but it can be associated with:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Infections
• Medications
• Environmental factors

Pathophysiology

The inflammation in angiitis can lead to:

• Vessel wall damage
• Narrowing or occlusion of the vessel lumen
• Ischemia of tissues supplied by the affected vessels

Clinical Features

Symptoms of angiitis vary widely depending on the vessels involved and may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Muscle and joint pain
• Skin rashes
• Neurological symptoms

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of angiitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Blood tests: To check for markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• Imaging studies: Angiography, CT scan, or MRI to visualize blood vessels.
• Biopsy: To obtain a tissue sample for histological examination.

Treatment

Treatment of angiitis depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include:

• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation.
• Immunosuppressive drugs: Such as cyclophosphamide or methotrexate.
• Biologic agents: Such as rituximab for certain types of vasculitis.

Prognosis

The prognosis of angiitis varies depending on the type and severity of the disease, as well as the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.

See Also

• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammation
• Rheumatology

References

• Hoffman, G. S., & Kerr, G. S. (1992). Vasculitis: Determinants of disease patterns. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 35(7), 844-849.
• Jennette, J. C., Falk, R. J., & Bacon, P. A. (2013). 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 65(1), 1-11.