Vaskülit

Vaskülit is a general term for a group of rare diseases characterized by inflammation of the blood vessel walls. This inflammation can weaken the blood vessels, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on which vessels are affected and the severity of the inflammation. When blood vessels become inflamed, they can narrow, leading to reduced blood flow, or they can become blocked, completely stopping blood flow. In some cases, inflamed blood vessels can bulge and rupture, causing bleeding.

The causes of vaskülit are not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels. Triggers can include infections, certain medications, or other underlying diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Vaskülit can affect blood vessels of any size, from tiny capillaries to large arteries, and can occur in any part of the body, including the skin, kidneys, lungs, brain, and nerves.

Symptoms of vaskülit are diverse and depend on the location and extent of the affected blood vessels. Common symptoms can include skin rashes, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. More severe cases can lead to organ damage, such as kidney failure, lung bleeding, stroke, or nerve damage. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood tests to detect inflammation markers and antibodies, and imaging studies like angiography or biopsies of affected tissues. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and prevent organ damage, often involving corticosteroids and immunosuppressant medications.