Vasculitis

Our experienced rheumatologists will perform a complete evaluation to make a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan especially for you, and work with other specialists such as a dermatologist (skin), pulmonologist (lungs), or nephrologist (kidneys).

We’ll review your medical records and perform a physical exam. We'll also order testing to find out what type of vasculitis you have. This may include blood and urine tests as well as radiological exams that can look at blood vessels and internal organs.

A biopsy may also be needed, taking a very small piece of tissue so that the blood vessels can be examined under a microscope.

Our experienced health care team provides education and support and helps you coordinate appointments for lab work and other tests, as well as appointments with other specialists as needed.

Treatments Include:

Medications

• Glucocorticoids: These medications decrease inflammation and work quickly. They are often one of the first medications prescribed. Prednisone is a common example.
• Steroid-sparing medications: Glucocorticoids are very effective but can have long-term side effects, so steroid-sparing medications (which also suppress the immune system) can be used to make it possible to use a lower dose of glucocorticoids, leading to fewer side effects. These are also used to treat other autoimmune diseases. Examples include methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide.
• Other treatments: Biologics are medications that block proteins that cause inflammation. They are used to treat other autoimmune illness and can be helpful in some forms of vasculitis. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend other treatments which are safe but less commonly used.

Surgery

In severe vasculitis, damage to the blood vessels may occur despite aggressive treatment with medications. Surgery may be required to restore blood flow to normal. Learn more about UR Medicine Vascular Surgery.