Overview
Vasculitis means inflammation of blood vessels. It includes many conditions, such as giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, ANCA-associated vasculitis and others. Inflamed vessels can narrow or weaken, reducing blood flow to organs.
Symptoms depend on which vessels are involved. Some forms, such as giant cell arteritis, need urgent treatment to protect vision.
Watch and learn
Video: “Vasculitis Disease Introduction | What is Vasculitis? | Johns Hopkins Rheumatology” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Mayo Clinic Minute: How vasculitis affects the body” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Symptoms
- Fever, fatigue, weight loss, aches
- Rash or small purple spots on the skin
- Numbness or weakness from nerve involvement
- New headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing or vision changes (seek urgent care: possible giant cell arteritis)
- Cough, sinus problems or blood in the urine in some types
Causes and risk factors
- Immune-driven inflammation of vessel walls
- Sometimes triggered by infections or medicines
- Some types are more common after age 50
How it is diagnosed
- Blood tests: ESR, CRP, ANCA, blood counts, kidney function; urine tests
- Imaging: ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET of blood vessels depending on type
- Biopsy of an affected tissue, such as a temporal artery biopsy
Treatment, step by step
Treatment is tailored to you. Medicines are described here in general terms; your rheumatologist will explain the specific options, benefits, risks and monitoring for your situation.
Lifestyle and self-care
Bone health, blood pressure and blood sugar care are important during treatment.
Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs and biologics)
Corticosteroids are often started quickly. Steroid-sparing DMARDs or biologics may be added.
Joint injections and infusions
Some treatments are given by infusion. Infusions are currently given at a partner hospital; in-office infusions at GSMC are planned. Call 732-202-3000 for details.
Referral and team care
Care may involve nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology or neurology.
What to expect at GSMC
- Your first visit: a rheumatologist reviews your symptoms, history and medicines and examines your joints, skin and other areas.
- Tests: blood tests and imaging, as needed, to confirm the diagnosis and check how active the disease is.
- Your plan: we explain your options, including lifestyle steps and medicines, and how each is monitored.
- Follow-up: regular visits and lab checks to adjust treatment over time.
Shahzad Hussain, MD sees rheumatology patients in Brick, Toms River and Whiting. Call 732-202-3000 to schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is vasculitis an emergency?
Some types are. Sudden vision changes with headache or jaw pain need same-day care.
How long is treatment?
It varies from months to years depending on type and response.
Why bone health?
Long-term steroids can weaken bones, so prevention is part of care.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.