[Vasculitis in the trunk: Imaging patterns of typical organ manifestations due to primary vasculitis of small and medium sized vessels]

Abstract

Vasculitis of small and medium sized vessels mostly affects several organ systems and causes unspecific symptoms. The trunk, lungs, heart and the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts are most frequently involved. Due to an unclear clinical picture imaging is part and parcel of diagnostics. The knowledge of typical and rare imaging patterns as well as knowledge of the correct imaging method is crucial for classification. Projection radiography is still the gold standard for imaging of the lungs. Using computed tomography discrete ground-glass pattern opacities, nodules and consolidations can be depicted. In the abdomen computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can depict swelling of the intestinal wall. Digital subtraction angiography may contribute to further differentiation and reveal microaneurysms in cases of polyarteriitis nodosa.