Unbound MEDLINE

Small-vessel vasculitis.

Abstract

The term vasculitis is defined as inflammation of the blood vessel wall. Small-vessel vasculitides affect post-capillary venules, mostly in the skin. Defining the different types of small-vessel vasculitides is important as they may be associated with systemic manifestations, may require additional patient evaluation and may require more than only supportive care. Evaluation of a patient with suspected small-vessel vasculitis requires skin biopsy, evaluation of the extent of the disease, and an attempt to define an etiology. Management is based on providing supportive care, treating any underlying condition, avoiding any triggers, and treating based on severity of skin lesions and systemic involvement.

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  • Publisher Full Text

    • Authors

    Kinney MA, Jorizzo JL

    Institution

    Department of Dermatology,Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 4618 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA. mkinney@wakehealth.edu

    Source

    Dermatologic therapy 25:2 pg 148-57

    MeSH

    Blood Vessels
    Humans
    Severity of Illness Index
    Skin
    Skin Diseases, Vascular
    Vasculitis

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    22741934