Systemic vasculitis: a modern view on the problem

Abstract

The aim of the study was to summarize the literature data on various types of systemic vasculitis, their mechanisms of development, diagnostic possibilities, and to describe a clinical case. Systemic vasculitis is a group of diseases with heterogeneous etiology, which involve vessels of different calibers, predominantly small and/or medium, manifesting as multi-organ dysfunction, difficult to treat, and with a poor prognosis. Currently, the following types are distinguished: large vessel vasculitis; medium vessel vasculitis; small vessel vasculitis; variable vessel vasculitis; single-organ vasculitis; vasculitis associated with systemic diseases; vasculitis associated with specific etiology. In the clinic of internal medicine, kidney involvement (glomeruloand tubulopathies, renal insufficiency), skin (ulcerative-necrotic and trophic changes), lungs (interstitial involvement, respiratory insufficiency, recurrent pneumonias), and central nervous system (acute ischemic events, thromboses, polyneuropathies, cognitive disorders, gait disturbances), heart (myocarditis with heart failure) are most commonly encountered. Systemic vasculitis most often manifests in winter and spring periods. Hemorrhagic vasculitis and Kawasaki disease are most commonly seen among children and young adults. In the post-COVID era, systemic vasculitis has been detected more frequently. The study presents the results of personal observation of a patient suffering from infectious-toxic systemic vasculitis.