Vasculitis

Vasculitis, also known as angiitis or arteritis, is inflammation (swelling) of the body’s blood vessels. Inflamed blood vessel walls may stretch, weaken, or become scarred, and they may thicken or narrow over time. In some cases, they become so narrow that they reduce or cut off the blood supply to organs, which can lead to tissue death.

Vasculitis also can result in an aneurysm, which is a bulging or weakening of a blood vessel. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause severe bleeding and even death in some cases.

Possible causes

Vasculitis can affect men and women of all ages. The cause is not known, but it can be triggered by medication or an allergic reaction. Vasculitis also can be linked to certain current or recent viral infections, which can cause an abnormal response from the immune system and damage blood vessels. Vasculitis also may be triggered by complications from long-term immune system disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Vasculitis can be chronic (lasting a long time) or acute (brief).

Why choose UAB Medicine

The UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology has consistently been ranked among the top 12 programs of their kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It is internationally recognized for research aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment for patients with rheumatic diseases like vasculitis. The program logs more than 10,000 visits annually from patients with various forms of connective tissue disease. It is staffed by specialists in multiple fields, making it easier for physicians to work together toward more effective patient care.

Care Providers

Khurram Bashir, MD, MPH Neurology Angelo Gaffo Llontop, MD Rheumatology Marc Passman, MD Endovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery Mark Patterson, MD Vascular Surgery Benjamin Pearce, MD Endovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery John Rinker, II, MD Neurology Adam Beck, MD, FACS Vascular Surgery Emily Spangler, MD Endovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery Ken Unger, DPM Podiatry Danielle Sutzko, MD Vascular Surgery

Resources

• Department of Neurosurgery
• Department of Neurology
• Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
• Healthy Veins
• Vascular Disease Foundation
• Vasculitis