Gastrointestinal aspects of vasculitides

Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Mar;14(3):185-194. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.179. Epub 2016 Nov 23.

Abstract

Systemic vasculitides are caused by inflammation of blood vessels and can affect any organ and any part of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatic and biliary system, as well as the pancreas. These disorders can cause a wide array of gastrointestinal manifestations, from asymptomatic elevated transaminase levels and mild abdominal pain to potentially life-threatening bowel perforations and peritonitis. A diagnosis based solely on gastrointestinal symptoms is challenging as these manifestations are not specific. Conversely, diagnostic and therapeutic delays can be rapidly detrimental. In this article, we review the epidemiology, characteristics and management of the main gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic vasculitides, including polyarteritis nodosa and antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitides, as well as isolated vasculitides limited to the gastrointestinal tract.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arteritis / diagnosis
  • Arteritis / epidemiology
  • Arteritis / physiopathology
  • Arteritis / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Systemic Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Systemic Vasculitis / epidemiology
  • Systemic Vasculitis / physiopathology*
  • Systemic Vasculitis / therapy