The effects of vasculitis on the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
Vasculitis can affect every organ of the digestive system. In many cases, it may first present with gastrointestinal symptoms. In several forms of vasculitis, including Churg Strauss syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and lupus, the majority of patients have gastrointestinal involvement. The astute gastroenterologist should consider vasculitic causes of the symptoms seen in many patients. Making the correct diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of the potential role of vasculitis in causing these symptoms and the appropriate path to making a diagnosis. This article reviews the variety of manifestations of vasculitis on the digestive system, and emphasizes diagnosis and clinical manifestations.
Bailey
M
M
Department of Medicine, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences-Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA.
Chapin
W
W
Licht
H
H
Reynolds
J C
JC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D008727:Methotrexate