Rheumatic masqueraders: mimics of primary vasculitis - a case-based review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Internal Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Vasculitis encompasses serious, potentially fatal conditions requiring precise diagnosis and management.
• Differentiating primary vasculitis from its mimics is critical for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review six cases of vasculitis mimics.
• To highlight clinical, radiographic, and histological features distinguishing mimics from primary vasculitis.
• To outline key mimics across large, medium, and small vessel vasculitis.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation of six vasculitis mimic examples.
• Analysis of clinical, radiographic, and histological data for each case.
• Review of literature on vasculitis mimics.

Main Results:

• Detailed presentation of six distinct cases of vasculitis mimics.
• Identification of key differentiating features for each mimic.
• Categorization of mimics affecting large, medium, and small vessels.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with vasculitis mimics is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Distinguishing non-inflammatory mimics prevents unnecessary immunosuppression.
• Identifying the etiology of secondary vasculitis guides appropriate treatment and improves outcomes.