Vasculitis
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Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessel system, which includes the
veins, arteries, and capillaries. Vasculitis may affect blood vessels of any
type, size, or location, and therefore can cause dysfunction in any organ system,
including the central and peripheral nervous systems. The symptoms of vasculitis
depend on which blood vessels are involved and what organs in the body are affected.
The disorder may occur alone or with other disorders such as temporal arteritis.
Temporal arteritis (also called cranial or giant cell arteritis) is an inflammation
of the temporal artery (which runs over the temple, beside the eye). Symptoms
of this disorder may include stiffness, muscle pain, fever, severe headaches,
pain when chewing, and tenderness in the temple area. Other symptoms may include
anemia, fatigue, weight loss, shaking, vision loss, and sweats.
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Treatment for vasculitis depends on the severity of the disorder and the individual's
general health. Treatment may include cortisone or cytotoxic drugs. Other
treatments may include plasmapheresis (the removal and reinfusion of blood
plasma), intravenous gammaglobulin, and cyclosporin. Some cases of vasculitis
may not require treatment. Treatment for temporal arteritis and its associated
symptoms generally includes corticosteroid therapy. Early detection of temporal
arteritis and immediate treatment are essential to prevent vision loss.
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The prognosis for individuals with vasculitis varies depending on the severity
of the disorder. Mild cases of vasculitis are generally not life-threatening,
while severe cases (involving major organ systems) may be permanently disabling
or fatal. The prognosis for individuals with temporal arteritis is generally
good. With treatment, most individuals achieve complete remission, however
vision loss may be irreversible.
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Several components of the NIH support research on vasculitis and temporal
arteritis. The ultimate goals of this research are to increase scientific
understanding of these disorders and to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure
them.
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American Autoimmune Related
Diseases Association
National Organization
for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Eye Institute
(NEI)
National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
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