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Pulmonary Vasculitis

A spectrum that defines the lung involvement of systemic vasculitis affecting the lung vessels.

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Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Pulmonary Vasculitis?

Pulmonary vasculitis is the subgroup of systemic vasculitis diseases that involves the lung vessels. Granulomatous polyangiitis (GPA), eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis (EGPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and Behçet's disease are among the main causes.

Vasculitis results in inflammation of small and medium-sized vessels in the lungs. Its clinical reflection can be cavitation, nodules, alveolar hemorrhage, pleural effusion, and pulmonary-renal syndrome with glomerulonephritis.

Diagnosis is made with a combination of clinical findings, autoantibodies such as ANCA, biopsy, and imaging methods. High-dose steroids and immunosuppressive agents are used in treatment.

Symptoms

Hemoptysis
Dyspnea
Cough
Chest pain
Fever
Weight loss
Sinus and ear symptoms

Risk Factors

Autoimmune predisposition
Genetic factors
Infectious triggers
Drug exposures
Silica exposure
Smoking
Chronic inflammatory conditions

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Coexistence of hemoptysis and dyspnea
  • Sinusitis and lung findings
  • Lung findings together with renal dysfunction
  • Multiple organ involvement

Treatment Methods

01
High-dose corticosteroids
02
Cyclophosphamide or rituximab
03
Methotrexate, azathioprine (maintenance)
04
Plasmapheresis (in severe cases)
05
IV immunoglobulin (in selected cases)
06
Long-term follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Asthma

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Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath attacks; with proper treatment it can be kept under control.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

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COPD is an irreversible lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough; quitting smoking slows its progression.

Pneumonia

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Pneumonia presents with high fever, cough and shortness of breath; the vast majority recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB)

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Tuberculosis presents with weeks-to-months of cough, fever, and night sweats; early diagnosis and treatment lead to full recovery.

Pleural Effusion

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Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, resulting from imbalances in fluid production and removal, and represents a manifestation of diverse cardiopulmonary, infectious, and malignant disorders.

Pneumothorax

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Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space resulting in partial or complete lung collapse, classified as spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic, with tension pneumothorax representing a life-threatening emergency.

Bronchitis (Acute and Chronic)

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Acute bronchitis is mostly viral and resolves spontaneously, while chronic bronchitis is a smoking-related component of COPD.

Bronchiectasis

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Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by permanent, abnormal dilation of bronchi with associated destruction of muscular and elastic components of airway walls, resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent infection.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.