What is lupus vasculitis?
lupus vasculitis is one of the numerous complications that may arise from chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease known as lupus. Vasculitis occurs when white blood cells that usually act in the body actually attack small and large blood vessels, causing inflammation. Damage caused by lupus vasculitis can range from minor skin defects to severe organ damage caused by tissue destruction around these organs. This condition is usually diagnosed with blood tests, although other procedures may be used depending on the affected areas. Treatment generally begins with cortisone -based medicines, which in more severe cases are strengthened by the addition of cytotoxic drugs.
Vasculitis generally stems from a process that begins when antigens cause an allergic reaction in the walls of the blood vessels. Then antibodies are created that connect to the antigen, thus attracting white blood cells to the affected area to destroy the antigen. In lupus vasculitis, these white blood cells then thunderThe part in the walls of the blood vessels, causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Depending on the severity of inflammation and location, problems caused by lupus vasculitis may be much more serious. For example, inflammation can narrow the walls of the blood vessels, causing reduced blood flow to a certain area. May even cause blood clots. Tissue surrounding inflammation can die, which can lead to gangrene.
serious problems may occur when lupus vasculitis affects tissue near the main organs. Loss of vision due to tissue damage near the retina, symptoms similar to pneumonia caused by vasculitis near the lungs and even brain complications such as headaches, seizures or tahyes. More often associated with this condition are joint problems such as pain, swelling or arthritis.
diagnosis of lupus vasculitis usually comes from blood tests that determine the number of white and red blood cells or the presence of autoantibodies that createWhen antigens and antibodies are joined together. Depending on the location of the problem, tests such as computer axial tomography (CAT) or X -rays may be administered. Labus vasculitis can also definitely detect tissue samples using biopsy.
treatment of lupus vasculitis may not be necessary if the problem is limited to smaller bleeding or red or purple areas caused by the breaking of capillaries. Heavy cases often require cortisone -based medicines known as corticosteroids. If they do not limit the effects of the condition, cytotoxic drugs are the next step in combating vasculitis. These drugs are usually given in tandem with corticosteroids.