Angiitis

Angiitis refers to the inflammation of blood vessels, which can lead to a range of symptoms and complications depending on the location and severity of the inflammation. This condition can affect any type of blood vessel, including arteries, veins, and smaller vessels like capillaries.

Types of Angiitis

• Large Vessel Vasculitis: Conditions such as Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis affect the larger arteries, leading to symptoms like headaches, visual disturbances, and arm or leg claudication.
• Medium Vessel Vasculitis: This includes conditions like Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) and Kawasaki Disease, which primarily affect medium-sized arteries. Symptoms can include skin lesions, joint pain, and abdominal pain.
• Small Vessel Vasculitis: Conditions such as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) affect the smaller blood vessels. Symptoms can range from skin rashes to kidney and lung involvement.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of angiitis is often unknown, but it is believed to result from an autoimmune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels. Certain infections, allergic reactions, and genetic predispositions may also play a role in triggering the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of angiitis can vary widely depending on which blood vessels are affected and the organs involved. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pain
• Skin rashes or lesions
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Visual disturbances
• Cough or shortness of breath if the lungs are involved

Diagnosis

Diagnosing angiitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic tools include:

• Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation and autoimmune activity
• Biopsy of affected tissue to confirm the presence of vasculitis
• Imaging tests like angiography, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the blood vessels and assess damage

Treatment

Treatment for angiitis typically involves medications that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. The specific treatment regimen depends on the type of vasculitis, its severity, and the organs involved.

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressive drugs to control the autoimmune response
• Biologic agents for certain types of vasculitis
• Surgery in some cases to repair damaged blood vessels or relieve symptoms

Prognosis and Complications

The prognosis for angiitis varies depending on the specific condition, how quickly it is diagnosed, and the effectiveness of treatment. Potential complications include organ damage (e.g., kidney failure, blindness), increased risk of infections due to immunosuppression, and in severe cases, death.