Abstract:
Vasculitis poses a great diagnostic, investigative and therapeutic challenge to the
treating physician. The classification of vasculitides itself still eludes universal
acceptance. Comprehensive management comprises establishing the diagnosis of true
vasculitis after ruling out vasculitis mimics, finding the etiology if feasible, assessing
the caliber of the vessels involved, deciphering the pathological process of vessel
damage, investigating for the existence and extent of systemic involvement and finally
planning the therapy in the background of co-morbidities. Successful management also
entails regular monitoring to foresee complications arising from the disease process
itself as well as complications of immunosuppressive treatment. Although steroids
remain first line drug, biologics are emerging as popular agents in the treatment of
immune-mediated vasculitis. Triphasic treatment is the best plan of action comprising
induction, maintenance of remission and treatment of relapses.
