Vasculitis is an immune system related disease in which blood vessels are found to have significant inflammation leads to various systems including kidney disease. It can happen because of an infection, a medicine, or another disease. The cause is often unknown.
One type of vasculitis is ACNA-associated vasculitis and kidney disease. Also known as: Microscopic polyangiitis or Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmaic autoantibody (ANCA) is a blood test that is often positive in several forms of vasculitis that are most likely to impact the kidneys. These forms of vasculitis include microscopic polyangiitis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
People with these types of vasculitis often present with non-specific symptoms such as fevers, weight loss, fatigue, cough, and joint pain. Kidney involvement is determined by urine and blood tests which show blood in the urine (hematuria), protein in the urine (proteinuria), and kidney injury (decreased estimated GFR or increased blood creatinine). A blood ANCA test is often positive. A kidney biopsy is typically required to diagnose kidney involvement.
Other organs that are involved with this type of vasculitis include ear, nose and throat symptoms, lung involvement, skin rashes, joint involvement and neurologic symptoms. At Tufts MC, our evaluation of vasculitis would include potential consultation with Rheumatology, ENT, Pulmonary, Dermatology, and Neurology specialists. Treatment for vasculitis often involves medicines which calm down the immune system, with decisions on specific treatment plans made in conjunction with other specialists.
Services:
- Treatment of active kidney vasculitis
- Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for all stages of chronic kidney disease
- Second opinion regarding existing kidney vasculitis
- Dialysis services, including access surgery
- Kidney transplantation and donor-matching services
- Nutritional and other lifestyle counseling
- Access to any new clinical trials
Programs + Services
The Division of Nephrology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease and high blood pressure and more.
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The Division of Rheumatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston offers comprehensive evaluation, consultation and management of arthritis and rheumatic disease.
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Tufts MC Vascular Surgery manages arterial and venous diseases using innovative surgical techniques at our downtown Boston hospital.
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Our Glomerular Disease clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic designed to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of kidney glomerular disorders. We will use an evidence–based approach combined with individualized decision making to take care of you.
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Our Neurovascular Surgery Program treats various diseases that occur within the blood vessels. Learn more about cutting edge minimally invasive treatment we offer.
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Tufts Medical Center in Boston is proud to offer expert care for patients with interstitial lung diseases.
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