Rheumatoid vasculitis may affect almost any organ in the body. The skin and
peripheral nerves are the most frequently affected areas. Although major organ system involvement of the
kidney,
bowel, or
heart is much less common, it can result in serious morbidity and mortality, such as
renal failure,
bowel ischemia, and
myocardial infarction.[3] While the involvement of the
central nervous system is uncommon, numerous case reports document its occurrence.[4][5]
Rheumatoid vasculitis can cause
palpable purpura, ulcers,
nodules, and digital
necrosis on the skin.[6] Even though it is nonspecific and present in many different disorders,
livedo reticularis is frequently observed.[3]
Patients who have nodular
rheumatoid arthritis that is seropositive are nearly exclusively affected by rheumatoid vasculitis.[7]
Diagnosis
The patient's medical history and symptoms, physical examination, relevant laboratory tests, specialized testing (such
nerve conduction studies), and
tissue biopsy of the affected skin, muscle, nerves, or other organ are typically used to make the diagnosis.[8]
^Zolcinski, M.; Bazan-Socha, S.; Zwolinska, G.; Musial, J. (August 10, 2007). "Central nervous system involvement as a major manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis". Rheumatology International. 28 (3). Springer Science and Business Media LLC: 281–283.
doi:
10.1007/s00296-007-0428-0.
ISSN0172-8172.
PMID17690887.
S2CID32816100.
^Chen, K-R.; Toyohara, A.; Suzuki, A.; Miyakawa, S. (2002). "Clinical and histopathological spectrum of cutaneous vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis". British Journal of Dermatology. 147 (5). Oxford University Press (OUP): 905–913.
doi:
10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04933.x.
ISSN0007-0963.
PMID12410699.