An Approach to the Evaluation and Management of Vasculitis

Publication date: July 2014 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics, Volume 3, Issue 3 Author(s): Nathan Houchens , Vikas ParekhTeaser The term “vasculitis” represents heterogeneous and often overlapping groups of clinicopathologic syndromes that cause vascular damage and organ dysfunction. Diagnoses are categorized into primary and secondary types, by size of affected vessel, and by patient characteristics. Vasculitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with unexplained constitutional symptoms and red-flag findings such as mononeuritis multiplex. Inpatient evaluation may include subspecialty consultation, arteriography, electromyography, or histologic biopsy. Therapy is aimed at inducing and maintaining remission of disease activity and preventing complications. Effective transitions of care and regular monitoring of disease activity and adverse effects from treatment are critical.

Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - October 12, 2014 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research