Vasculitis
Expert diagnosis and personalized treatment at Arthritis Care of Los Angeles.
What is Vasculitis?
Vasculitis refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow, or weaken vessel walls, potentially leading to aneurysms. Vasculitis can affect blood vessels of any size — arteries, veins, and capillaries — and can involve any organ system. Some forms are mild and limited to the skin, while others can affect vital organs and require aggressive treatment. The cause is often unknown, but it is typically related to an overactive immune system.
Common Symptoms
- Fever, fatigue, and general malaise
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle and joint aches
- Skin rashes, purplish spots, or ulcers
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Shortness of breath or cough (if lungs are affected)
- Blood in urine or elevated creatinine (if kidneys are affected)
- Headaches or vision changes (if blood vessels to head are affected)
Experiencing these symptoms? Get expert care today.
How is Vasculitis Diagnosed?
Vasculitis diagnosis requires careful clinical evaluation, blood tests (including ANCA antibodies, ESR, CRP, and complement levels), imaging studies (CT angiography, MRA, or PET scans), and often tissue biopsy. Because vasculitis can mimic many other conditions, diagnosis can be complex. Dr. Forouzesh has experience managing various forms of vasculitis and works methodically to identify the specific type and extent of involvement.
Treatment Options
Corticosteroids
High-dose steroids are often the first treatment to quickly control inflammation. Doses are gradually reduced once the disease is under control.
Immunosuppressive Medications
Medications like cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate to suppress the overactive immune system and maintain remission.
Biologic Therapies
Rituximab and other targeted therapies for ANCA-associated vasculitis and other forms that do not respond to conventional treatment.
Plasma Exchange
In severe cases with kidney or organ-threatening disease, plasma exchange may be used alongside other treatments.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular blood tests and imaging to monitor disease activity, detect relapses early, and manage medication side effects.
Key Statistics
Multiple Types
Over 20 different types of vasculitis exist
Source: Vasculitis Foundation
Rare
Affects about 30 per 100,000 people
Source: American College of Rheumatology
Any Age
Can occur at any age, depending on the type
Source: Mayo Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Expert Care?
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Solomon Forouzesh, MD, FACP, FACR — a board-certified rheumatologist with 50++ years of expertise in arthritis and autoimmune diseases.