Vasculitis involves inflammation of the walls of blood vessels — arteries, veins, or capillaries — which can restrict blood flow and damage organs throughout the body. There are many forms: some affect only the skin, while others involve the kidneys, lungs, nerves, or brain. ANCA-associated vasculitis (GPA, MPA, EGPA) and giant cell arteritis are among the most serious forms. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, vasculitis can cause irreversible organ damage or be life-threatening. Correct classification is essential because different subtypes require different treatment strategies. Dr. Kakar has extensive experience managing rare vasculitic syndromes and has published on ANCA-negative vasculitis and related conditions.
About This Service
What is vasculitis?
Symptoms & Signs
When should you seek care?
Persistent fever and fatigue
Skin rashes, purpura (purple spots), or ulcers
Joint pain and muscle aches
Shortness of breath or cough (lung involvement)
Blood in urine or reduced kidney function
Numbness, tingling, or weakness (nerve involvement)
Headache and scalp tenderness (giant cell arteritis)
Recurrent sinusitis or nosebleeds (GPA)
Clinical Approach
How Dr. Kakar approaches treatment.
Diagnosis involves ANCA blood tests, imaging, and often tissue biopsy to classify the vasculitis type. Treatment is guided by disease type and severity — corticosteroids are used acutely, with cyclophosphamide, rituximab, methotrexate, or azathioprine for maintenance. Newer biologic agents are available for refractory disease. Monitoring for relapse and medication side effects is a critical part of long-term management.
When to Seek Help
When to see a specialist.
Clinical Guidance
Seek specialist review urgently if you have a combination of rash, joint pain, fever, and signs of kidney or lung involvement. Giant cell arteritis requires emergency evaluation if you experience sudden visual changes or jaw pain. Early treatment prevents permanent damage.