Vasculitis. A practical approach to management.

Vasculitis encompasses a wide variety of diseases. Because diagnosis may be difficult, a careful evaluation is essential, including a detailed patient history, thorough physical examination, and appropriate laboratory studies. Diagnosis is based on clinicopathologic features that permit identification of the condition. Biopsies are often necessary to confirm a diagnosis. It is important to accurately categorize the vasculitic disorders, since prompt, aggressive therapy with potentially toxic drugs is necessary to avoid irreversible organ system dysfunction.