Best Vasculitis Doctors in Delhi

Vasculitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the blood vessels, which can alter their structure and function. This inflammation may be triggered by infections, autoimmune disorders, systemic inflammatory conditions, or environmental factors. The severity and type of vasculitis determine the range of symptoms and complications. Both environmental factors and genetic predispositions may contribute to the development of this condition.

Delhi has witnessed a rise in cases of vasculitis. Fortunately, Apollo Hospitals, renowned for having some of the best doctors specialising in vasculitis treatment in India, provides comprehensive care and management for this condition.

Types/Stages of Vasculitis

Vasculitis can manifest in different forms and stages, each with distinct characteristics:

• Giant cell arteritis: This type predominantly affects older adults and involves inflammation of the large arteries, potentially leading to blindness if not treated promptly.

• Polyarteritis nodosa: This type affects medium-sized arteries and can lead to symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and abdominal pain.

• Kawasaki disease: This condition primarily affects young children, causing inflammation of the coronary arteries.

• Takayasu arteritis: This form targets the aorta and its major branches, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and joint pain.

Symptoms of Vasculitis

Experiencing any of the following symptoms, alone or in combination, may indicate vasculitis:

• Fever, headache, or general body aches.

• Fatigue, stress, or lightheadedness.

• Breathing difficulties or chest pain.

• Numbness or weakness in any part of the body.

• Weight loss or elevation in blood pressure.

Tests to Diagnose Vasculitis

Diagnosing vasculitis can be challenging due to its diverse symptoms. However, the best specialists in vasculitis at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi, offer comprehensive and advanced tests to diagnose the condition:

• Physical examination and health history: Doctors evaluate symptoms and review the patient's medical history to identify potential signs of vasculitis.

• Blood and laboratory tests: These tests include measuring inflammatory markers and specific antibodies like ANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) that can indicate certain types of vasculitis.

• Biopsy: A sample of tissue from the affected area (such as skin, kidney, or muscle) is removed and analysed under a microscope to identify inflammation and determine the type of vasculitis.

• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans are used to visualise the blood vessels and detect any inflammation or damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Vasculitis at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi

The best doctors for vasculitis treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi offer a range of treatments for the condition:

• Immunosuppressive drugs: Medications like cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil are prescribed to suppress the immune system and control inflammation.

• Steroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisone are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Biological therapies: Rituximab, an antibody-based treatment is used to induce remission in some types of vasculitis.

• Surgery: For severe cases where other treatments are not effective, surgical options are provided which include angioplasty (to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels), stenting (insertion of a small mesh tube to keep blood vessels open) and surgical resection (removal of damaged blood vessels) to restore the normal function of blood vessels.