Large and Medium Size Vessel and Single Organ Vasculitis (Rare Diseases of the Immune System)

In this book, detailed information on the nosology, pathology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of large- and medium-sized vessel and single-organ vasculitis is provided and critically discussed by the most expert physicians and researchers in the field. Among the conditions considered are giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, primary central nervous system vasculitis, isolated aortitis, isolated gastrointestinal vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis and isolated genitourinary vasculitis.

The role of histopathology in the diagnosis and prognosis of these vasculitis is evaluated, along with the part played by imaging studies in diagnosing and monitoring these diseases, while indications and limitations of the available imaging modalities are discussed as well. The expanding role of biological agents for the treatment of the large vessel vasculitis is addressed, as well as the current approaches to these diseases. This book will be a valuable companion in decision-making for medical practitioners, internists, specialists, researchers and postgraduate students interested in the intriguing fields of vasculitis and rare diseases.