[Medium and large vessel vasculitis].
Vasculitis comprises a broad group of syndromes characterized by inflammation and necrosis on the walls of blood vessels, resulting in narrowing or occlusion of the lumen. The distribution of involved blood vessel varies considerably and serves as the basis for one classification of vasculitic syndromes: large vessels (Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis); medium and small muscular arteries (polyarteritis nodosa, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, vasculitis in rheumatic diseases); and small vessels ("hypersensitivity" vasculitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, microscopic polyangiitis, cryoglobulinemia). This article reviews medium and large vessel vasculitis and current treatment options; it also presents a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating patients with suspected cutaneous vasculitis.
Departamento de Dermatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Hebert Roberto Clivati
HR
Brandt
Marcelo
M
Arnone
Neusa Yuriko Sakai
NY
Valente
Mirian Nacagami
MN
Sotto
Paulo Ricardo
PR
Criado
D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D009929:Organ Size; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology