Types of Vasculitis
There are approximately 20 different disorders that are classified as “vasculitis”. “Angiitis” and “Arteritis” are both synonyms for vasculitis, literally meaning “inflammation within blood vessels” or “inflammation in artreries”, respectively. Because there are so many types of vasculitis, the group is sometimes referred to in the plural: vasculitides (pronounced “vas que lit' i deez”, with the accent on the third syllable).
There are many different types of diseases that belong to this category. Although the diseases are similar in some ways, they often differ with respect to which organs are affected, which medications are used to treat them, and other characteristics.
Behcet's Disease
Characterized by the triad of mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, and eye inflammation, but can affect different organ systems.
Buerger's Disease
Mainly affects smokers, leading to decreased blood flow to the hands and feet.
Central Nervous System Vasculitis
Very rare disease that may involve the brain and spinal cord.
Churg–Strauss Syndrome
Associated with asthma & allergies, elevated eosinophil counts, and vasculitis, with a tendency to involve lungs, peripheral nerves, skin, kidneys, and heart.
Cryoglobulinemia
Characterized by recurrent purpura on the lower extremities, and often associated with hepatitis C virus infections.
Giant Cell Arteritis
The most common type of vasculitis. Affects people over the age of 50.
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
This disorder is often followed after an upper respiratory tract infections and is often, but not necessarily self-limited.
Microscopic Polyangiitis
A systemic vasculitis affecting small and medium–sized blood vessels.
Polyarteritis Nodosa
The prototype of systemic vasculitis, involving many different organ systems and focussed on medium–sized arteries.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
A syndrome of pain and stiffness localized to the shoulders and hips. Often occurs in association with Giant Cell Arteritis.
Rheumatoid Vasculitis
A vasculitis that sometimes complicates the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Usually occurs in patients with a history of severe RA.
Takayasu's Arteritis
A large vessel vasculitis that affects the aorta, its major branches to the extremities, and sometimes internal organs. Usually occurs in young women.
Wegener's Granulomatosis
A systemic disease that involves the lungs, kidneys, upper respiratory tract, and other organs.
All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center website is intended for educational purposes only. Visitors are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.
