Rheumatoid vasculitis

Cutaneous vasculitis or vasculitis of the legs: symptoms and manifestations

Vasculitis can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the specific type and location of the affected blood vessels. Typical symptoms of vasculitis include:

• Fever and fatigue: most patients with vasculitis experience general fatigue and occasional fevers.
• Muscle and joint pain: These pains are a common symptom of many forms of vasculitis.
• Skin manifestations of vasculitis: Rashes, purple patches or ulcers often appear and are initially discussed with a skin doctor.
• Neurological symptoms: In some cases, loss of sensation or muscle weakness may occur.
• Visual disturbances: If blood vessels in the eye area are affected, blurred vision may occur, and in extreme cases, loss of vision. At ATODA Medical we also have eye doctors.

Complications and consequences of vasculitis without treatment

What is the prognosis of vasculitis that is not treated?

Without adequate treatment, vasculitis can lead to serious complications, including:

• Chronic damage to the blood vessels and skin: long-term damage to the blood vessels can lead to scarring or the formation of permanent spots.
• Organ damage: in some cases, the kidneys or other organs may also be affected.
• Risk of infection: Damaged skin is more susceptible to infections.

If any rheumatic disease is left untreated, including diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome or systemic scleroderma, the same, if not more serious, consequences can occur. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention when symptoms appear. Early diagnosis and treatment helps prevent disease progression and minimizes the risk of long-term consequences.

Autoimmune vasculitis: treatment

Diagnosis of vasculitis requires specialist investigation, which includes blood tests, urinalysis, imaging and sometimes biopsy of the affected tissues. Treatment of vasculitis includes:

• Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants: To reduce inflammation and immune response.
• Biological therapy: Modern therapies that help specifically target the inflammatory process.
• Supportive therapies: Including physiotherapy and support for the function of the affected organs.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis and other rheumatic diseases

A special type is leukocytoclastic vasculitis, also known as small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis or hypersensitivity vasculitis. It is a form affecting small blood vessels, especially capillaries, venules and arterioles.

This type of vasculitis (sometimes referred to as cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis) is caused by the accumulation of white blood cells and their products (neutrophils) in the vessel walls, leading to damage to the blood vessels and subsequent characteristic skin manifestations.

Patients sometimes mistakenly believe that it is systemic lupus erythematosus. If you are not sure whether you are experiencing allergic vasculitis or another rheumatic disease, you can send us a photo of the affected areas by e-mail. These images will help us better understand the progression of your disease and more effectively tailor our care to your needs.