Necrotizing vasculitis

Alternative names:

vasculitis - necrotizing

Symptoms:

• skin lesion
  • papule
  • color red to purple (purpuric)
  • on the legs, hands, or other areas

• fingers that change color upon pressure (blueness of the fingers or toes)
• infarction (inflammation due to lack of oxygen)
  • pain in the area
  • redness (if superficial area)
  • tenderness of the area

• joint pain (such as, knee pain, elbow pain)
• abdominal pain
• pain, numbness, tingling in an extremity or any area
• changes or decrease in function of an extremity or any area
• fever

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• weakness
• swallowing difficulty
• speech impairment
• leg pain
• muscle contractions
• muscle atrophy
• movement, dysfunctional
• menstruation, painful
• hoarseness or changing voice
• fatigue
• eyes, pupils different size
• eyelid drooping

Note: Symptoms vary depending on the location of the affected vessels.

Signs and tests:

Examination findings may vary depending on the part of the body affected by the necrotizing vasculitis. Neurologic examination may show single or multiple neuropathy (nerve damage).

• A muscle biopsy of the suspected muscle, nerve biopsy, or organ or tissue biopsy shows vasculitis.
• A chest x-ray may indicate lesions of the chest.
• A sedimentation rate is often elevated (nonspecific finding).
• A urinalysis may show blood, casts, urine protein, or other abnormalities.
• Hepatitis blood tests may be positive.