Excerpts from MedicineNet -Vasculitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Types...
"Vasculitis is a group of uncommon diseases, which result in inflammation of the blood vessels.
Vasculitis symptoms and signs vary greatly and depend upon the organs affected and the severity of the disease, and may include:
Rash
Headaches
Weight loss
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Seizures
Stroke
Paralysis
Kidney failure
Researchers don't know the cause of vasculitis; however, common features of the condition include inflammation of blood vessels and immune system abnormalities.
Examples of diseases and conditions in which vasculitis occurs include:
Kawasaki disease
Behçet's disease
Polyarteritis nodosa
Granulomatosis with polyangitiis
Churg-Strauss syndrome
Temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis)
Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Vasculitis also may occur with infections, drugs (cocaine, amphetamines), cancers, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Vasculitis is diagnosed with blood tests, biopsies, and angiogram.
Treatment for vasculitis is directed toward decreasing the inflammation of the blood vessels and improving the function of affected organs."
"The treatment of the various forms of vasculitis is based on the severity of the illness and the organs involved. Treatments are generally directed toward stopping the inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Typically, cortisone-related medications, such as prednisone , are used. Additionally, other immune suppression drugs, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and others are considered. Additionally, affected organs (such as the heart or lungs) may require specific medical treatment when the disease is active."