One year in review 2020: vasculitis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Immunology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Systemic vasculitides are rare diseases affecting any organ, presenting diverse clinical signs based on vessel size.
• These conditions carry significant morbidity and mortality risks if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
• Physician awareness and improved management contribute to the observed rise in vasculitis incidence and prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest research on the pathogenesis of systemic vasculitides.
• To summarize current knowledge on clinical manifestations across different vasculitis types.
• To discuss contemporary treatment strategies for small- and large-vessel vasculitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent publications on systemic vasculitides.
• Analysis of studies focusing on pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and therapeutic options.
• Synthesis of findings related to both small- and large-vessel vasculitis.

Main Results:

• Recent literature highlights evolving understanding of vasculitis pathogenesis.
• Clinical manifestations are diverse and vessel-size dependent.
• Treatment options continue to advance for small- and large-vessel vasculitis.

Conclusions:

• Systemic vasculitides require prompt diagnosis and management to mitigate severe outcomes.
• Ongoing research is crucial for understanding and treating these complex inflammatory conditions.
• This review synthesizes recent advancements in the field of vasculitis.