Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Common complications of systemic vasculitis to monitor in patients include:
- Organ ischemia and infarction: Due to vessel inflammation and occlusion, leading to tissue damage in affected organs such as kidneys, lungs, and peripheral nerves NICE NG100 Moosig et al. 2009.
- Renal impairment: Particularly in small-vessel vasculitis like ANCA-associated vasculitis, which can cause rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease NICE NG100 Villa-Forte et al. 2010.
- Neurological complications: Peripheral neuropathy and mononeuritis multiplex from nerve ischemia are common and require monitoring NICE NG100 Moosig et al. 2009.
- Respiratory involvement: Pulmonary hemorrhage and interstitial lung disease can occur, especially in granulomatosis with polyangiitis, necessitating vigilance for respiratory symptoms NICE NG100 Villa-Forte et al. 2010.
- Cardiovascular complications: Including myocarditis, pericarditis, and increased risk of accelerated atherosclerosis due to chronic inflammation NICE NG100 Moosig et al. 2009.
- Infections: Secondary to immunosuppressive therapy used in vasculitis management, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections NICE NG100 Villa-Forte et al. 2010.
- Medication-related toxicity: Monitoring for adverse effects of corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents is essential NICE NG100 Villa-Forte et al. 2010.
Imaging modalities can assist in detecting vascular inflammation and complications early, supporting clinical monitoring Troum et al. 2025.
Key References
- NG100 - Rheumatoid arthritis in adults: management
- NG130 - Ulcerative colitis: management
- NG239 - Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management
- (Moosig et al., 2009): [Autoimmune vasculitides. Standards and guidelines of EULAR and EUVAS].
- (Villa-Forte et al., 2010): European League Against Rheumatism/European Vasculitis Study Group recommendations for the management of vasculitis.
- (Troum et al., 2025): Imaging in vasculitis.