Suresh E
Postgraduate medical journal. Date of publication 2006 Aug 1;volume 82(970):483-8.
1. Postgrad Med J. 2006 Aug;82(970):483-8.
Diagnostic approach to patients with suspected vasculitis.
Suresh E(1).
Author information:
(1)Rheumatology Department, Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering
NN16 8UZ, UK. esuresh@hotmail.com
Vasculitis presents several diagnostic challenges. Firstly, patients could
present with protean clinical manifestations with a wide spectrum ranging from
isolated cutaneous vasculitis to multisystem involvement. Secondly, there are
several medical conditions that could mimic the presentation of vasculitis. The
range of differential diagnosis is therefore broad. Thirdly, vasculitis could
occur as a primary disorder or be secondary to various medical conditions. It
becomes important to differentiate them, as treatment of some forms of vasculitis
such as those that are secondary to infection or drugs, is different from that of
primary vasculitis. Fourthly, there are several different forms of vasculitis.
Some are benign and self limiting, while others have the potential to threaten
vital organ function and life. It follows that a rational approach is required
during evaluation of patients with suspected vasculitis.
DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2005.042648
PMCID: PMC2585712
PMID: 16891436 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Appears in following Topics:
