[Cutaneous vasculitides. A diagnostic approach]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Immunology

Context:

• Vasculitis encompasses diverse inflammatory conditions affecting blood vessels, leading to tissue damage.
• Skin manifestations are common in certain vasculitis forms like leukocytoclastic angiitis (LcV) and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).
• Systemic forms, including Kawasaki disease (KD) and Wegener granulomatosis (WG), also present with varied cutaneous changes.

Purpose:

• To outline the heterogeneous causes and clinical presentations of vasculitis.
• To detail the diagnostic workup for various vasculitis types.
• To emphasize the importance of thorough evaluation for systemic vasculitis.

Summary:

• Vasculitis is defined by inflammatory vessel wall reactions causing tissue damage.
• Common forms with skin changes include LcV, HSP, cPAN, EED, and UV.
• Systemic vasculitis (KD, kV, WG, CSS, MPA) presents with diverse skin findings and requires comprehensive diagnosis.
• Triggers are varied, including infections, drugs, and autoimmune disorders; some forms are idiopathic and self-limiting.
• Diagnostic approaches involve inflammatory markers, immune complexes, cryoglobulins, ANCA, and autoantibodies.

Impact:

• Provides a foundational understanding of vasculitis classification and presentation.
• Highlights the diagnostic utility of specific biomarkers and clinical assessment.
• Informs clinicians on the broad spectrum of vasculitis and the necessity for tailored diagnostic strategies.