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Arteritis, Vasculitis
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Arteritis (Vasculitis, Angiitis) is inflammation of the blood vessels called arteries. The inflammation causes narrowing of the blood vessels and disruption of blood flow to the tissues they supply. The cause of inflammation is an abnormal activity of the immune system, for a reason not fully understood. In the various diseases characterized by vasculitis, the affected blood vessels are of different sizes and supply different tissues, so there is a wide range of possible symptoms. Involved body systems can be the skin, lungs, nerves, kidneys, digestive system, joints or the heart.
70 people with Arteritis, Vasculitis are on Alike.
Common symptoms of vasculitis are low fever, fatigue, malaise and weight loss. Possible signs, depending on the type of vasculitis and the characteristics of the disease of which it is a part, are skin rash, shortness of breath, appearance of blood in the urine, joint and muscle pain, abdominal pain and more.
Diagnosis process begins with a doctor's examination who will ask about the medical history and perform a physical exam. Further diagnostic tests may include: *- Blood and urine tests*. These tests will look for signs of inflammation and its possible triggers. *- Imaging of the blood vessels*. The purpose of imaging is to identify the blood vessels and tissues that are affected by vasculitis. Imaging can be performed by several methods, such as MRI, CT or PET-CT, or by an invasive test called angiography (a test in which a tube called catheter is inserted into a blood vessel that need to be examined). *- Biopsy*. This is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed and examined for signs of vasculitis.
Treatment for vasculitis focuses on reducing the inflammatory process in the blood vessels and treating the disease that caused the vasculitis, if detected. The medication used are usually steroids and anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs of various types.
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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The individual has been experiencing severe leg pain since January and has been referred to various specialists including vascular, rheumatology, and dermatology. Despite numerous tests and a biopsy, all results have come back normal, although the individual notes some abnormal results on their NHS app. They were diagnosed with livedoid **vasculitis** but vascular doctors disagreed due to good blood flow in veins and arteries. The individual suspects they may also have MS and have been on the neurology waiting list since May 23. Currently, they are bedridden due to the pain and can only walk as far as the toilet with crutches.
Hi, I joined the community about 3 months ago and I have met alot of wonderful people here who have shared their stories and encouragement and it’s been super helpful. I want you to know that we are all here to help each other through this journey, you’re not alone. You have all of us here rooting for you. The thing I experienced about Radiotherapy is ,you can feel the side effects even months and years afterwards.After I had Radiotherapy i got sepsis and the doctors werent able to tell where exactly this came from. At first they were going to treat me for **Vasculitis**. My medical team brought in a heamatologist to look at my situation. He mentioned that I had radiation colitis. Felt I had to share this to encourage you, and also suggest that you ask questions and let your medical team address your concerns. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this walk.
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