Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Vasculitis

Abstract

Vasculitis is an inflammatory condition that targets the blood vessels, which may occur in isolation or as a component of a systemic inflammatory condition. Although many of the vasculitides can directly affect the organs of the gastrointestinal system, some types exhibit a proclivity for certain gastrointestinal and hepatic organs. Often a patient presents with nonspecific symptoms, delaying the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying vasculitis. Vasculitis can also present with severe manifestations, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeds and bowel perforation. It is important to identify the signs and symptoms of vasculitis in gastrointestinal system and institute appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis; Esophageal diseases; Gastrointestinal diseases; Granulomatosis with polyangiitis; Kawasaki disease; Mouth diseases; Polyarteritis nodosa; Vasculitis.