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Current Rheumatology Reports
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports 7/2017

01-07-2017 | Vasculitis (L Espinoza, Section Editor)

Rheumatoid Vasculitis: A Diminishing Yet Devastating Menace

Authors: Shweta Kishore, Lisa Maher, Vikas Majithia

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 7/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is an unusual complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by the development of necrotizing or leukocytoclastic vasculitis involving small or medium-sized vessels. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of this challenging extra-articular manifestation.

Recent Findings

RV is heterogenous in its clinical presentation depending on the organ and size of blood vessels involved. The most common organs involved are the skin and peripheral nerve. Based on recent population studies, the incidence has significantly decreased with early recognition and the advent of immunosuppressive drugs and biologics; however, the mortality rates remain high.

Summary

RV remains a serious extra-articular manifestation of RA that needs to be promptly recognized and treated. No consensus is available on treatment, given the ongoing debate of whether the biologics can trigger or treat RV.
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Metadata
Title
Rheumatoid Vasculitis: A Diminishing Yet Devastating Menace
Authors
Shweta Kishore
Lisa Maher
Vikas Majithia
Publication date
01-07-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 7/2017
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0667-3

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