Diagnostics
Depending on the organs involved, vasculitides require different examinations. In addition to methods of vascular imaging such as vascular ultrasound, angiography and magnetic resonance angiography, other organ imaging methods are used (i.e. computer tomography of the lungs or of the ear, nose and throat tract). In the case of vasculitides, the diagnosis often has to be be confirmed by fine-tissue sampling and examination. Laboratory tests with various inflammation values and, if necessary, autoantibodies are an important part of the assessment. Due to the many facets with which vasculitides can present themselves, the type and extent of diagnostic assessments must be tailored to the individual patient.
Treatment
Corticosteroids often have to be used for acute treatment. The duration of treatment with corticosteroids is kept as short as possible, which is why corticosteroid-sparing therapies are also used. In some vasculitides, decisive progress has been made in recent years with new targeted therapies (“biologics”).
Vasculitis Consultation
In the regular vasculitis consultation, patients with vasculitides are assessed and treated.
Cooperations
Depending on the organs involved, systemic diseases require close cooperation with various specialist disciplines. In the case of vasculitides, close cooperation with the clinics for Dermatology, Angiology, Pneumology, Neurology, ORL and Ophthalmology, but also with numerous other disciplines, is particularly frequent.