INFLAMMATION OF BLOOD VESSELS
Vasculitis
A group of conditions in which blood vessels become inflamed, affecting various organs depending on which vessels are involved. Managed with specialist long-term care and targeted therapy.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Vasculitis
Vasculitis refers to a group of conditions in which blood vessels — arteries, veins or capillaries — become inflamed, leading to damage and reduced blood flow to the tissues they supply. The effects depend on which vessels are involved and which organs they serve. Vasculitis can affect single organs or multiple systems and ranges from mild skin involvement to life-threatening illness. Major types are classified by vessel size and include large-vessel (giant cell arteritis, Takayasu's), medium-vessel (polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease) and small-vessel (granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, IgA vasculitis and others). Typical features include skin rashes including purpura, joint and muscle pain, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and organ-specific symptoms such as kidney problems, lung involvement, nerve damage and abdominal pain. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests including specific antibody tests (ANCA), imaging and biopsy. Treatment is highly specialised, typically including immune-modifying therapy and steroid therapy under rheumatology or relevant specialist care. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation and co-management at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune attack on blood vessels
- Genetic predisposition
- Triggers including infections, medications and environmental exposures
- Association with other autoimmune diseases
- Certain infections such as hepatitis can trigger vasculitis
- Some vasculitides are linked to specific antibodies (ANCA)
- Exact triggers often unclear
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features, blood tests including ANCA, imaging and biopsy
Large-vessel · Medium-vessel · Small-vessel — each with specific patterns
Immune-modifying therapy, steroid therapy and specialist care
Ranges from mild to life-threatening
Regular for disease activity, organ involvement and treatment side effects
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with rheumatology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Specialist Care with Targeted Immune-Modifying Therapy
The most effective approach is urgent specialist evaluation, accurate classification based on vessel size and clinical features, immune-modifying therapy including steroid therapy tailored to the type and severity, and regular monitoring of disease activity and treatment effects.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the patient and arranges blood tests, imaging and specialist referral for biopsy when indicated.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with rheumatology based on the type, severity and organs involved.
- 3
Medical Management
Immune-modifying therapy, steroid therapy, treatment of organ complications, infection prevention and supportive care.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with rheumatology including monitoring of disease activity, organ function and treatment side effects.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Steroid Therapy
Steroid therapy is the cornerstone of initial treatment for most types of vasculitis, controlling acute inflammation and disease activity.
Immune-Modifying Therapy (Referral for rheumatology)
Specific immune-modifying medical therapy is added in moderate to severe disease to maintain control and allow steroid reduction.
Biological Therapy in Selected Cases
Biological therapy is used for refractory or specific types of vasculitis under specialist care.
Treatment of Underlying Triggers
Specific treatment is provided for infections such as hepatitis B or C, and offending medications are withdrawn when relevant.
Monitoring and Specialist Follow-Up
Long-term monitoring of disease activity, organ function, treatment side effects and infection prevention is essential.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure about your condition?
Compassionate, confidential consultations — Book your appointment today.