Gynecological and urological aspects of pelvic vasculitis

Abstract

Objective: To review contemporary knowledge of isolated vasculitis in urology and gynaecology.

Design: A review.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove.

Methods: To present own experience and an overview of recent literature.

Conclusion: Vascular system inflammation is a very important and broadly studied medical condition. It can affect either veins or arteries. In pelvic veins it can significantly increase the risk of thromboembolic complications, while in the case of arteries; the clinical significance is still unknown. We still do not know what does the histopathological proven isolated vasculitis in this area mean. Is it just a local finding, or should we look for systemic vasculitis? Unlike most of non-symptomatic gynecological vasculitis, urological cases are often accompanied by severe symptoms depending on the anatomical location of the process. This work presents a basic overview and includes our experience with this issue. Our thesis does not include the vasculitis in pregnancy.

Keywords: autoimmune diseases; gynecology; inflammatory changes; urology; vasculitis.