Rheumatoid vasculitis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a severe complication of rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). It is a rare condition, affecting less than 5% of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of rheumatoid vasculitis vary depending on the size and location of the affected blood vessels. They may include:

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of rheumatoid vasculitis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the chronic inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Factors that may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid vasculitis include:

  • Having severe, long-standing rheumatoid arthritis
  • Being a smoker
  • Having high levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Rheumatoid vasculitis is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Additional tests may include:

  • Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and rheumatoid factor
  • Imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI, to check for damage to the blood vessels
  • Biopsy of the affected tissue to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for rheumatoid vasculitis aims to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. This may include:

See also[edit | edit source]

Rheumatoid vasculitis Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD