Approach to the patient with suspected vasculitis.
By taking a careful patient history, conducting a thorough physical examination, knowing the clinical features of vasculitis, and using selected laboratory tests, the physician can diagnosis vasculitis tentatively. Recognizing the pattern of organ involvement provides a clue to the type of vasculitis present. Serologic laboratory tests for ANCAs or hepatitis B or C may help confirm the presence of the underlying vasculitis, and a definitive diagnosis can be confirmed by a biopsy of involved tissue or by angiography.
Cohen
M D
MD
Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Conn
D L
DL
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology