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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Vasculitis Be Diagnosed?

My mother passed away suddenly at the age of 52 with vasculitis and my dad s mom passed away with this as well.Is vasculitis hereditary?I am 50 and concerned I too might have this.I am scheduled to see an Endocrinologist in April.Is there a specific test that should be done?
Sat, 5 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Having a family member with vasculitis, the risk of vasculitis is increased but not to the worrying extent. Most won't have it, even if they do have a family member with it. There is no good evidence that one should be screened only for having a family member neither is there a very specific screening test. Symptoms are skin manifestation, weight loss, fever and chest and kidney problems. So until you are fit, you don't need to worry.

If there is any doubt, then raised ESR and CRP would be suggestive. Other tests include cANCA and pANCA. However, these are only done if there is clinical suspicion. Confirmation would be only with biopsy. Very baseline tests i.e. ESR and CRP, if normal (not raised) would make vasculitis very unlikely.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,      
Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman

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How Can Vasculitis Be Diagnosed?

Hello, Having a family member with vasculitis, the risk of vasculitis is increased but not to the worrying extent. Most won t have it, even if they do have a family member with it. There is no good evidence that one should be screened only for having a family member neither is there a very specific screening test. Symptoms are skin manifestation, weight loss, fever and chest and kidney problems. So until you are fit, you don t need to worry. If there is any doubt, then raised ESR and CRP would be suggestive. Other tests include cANCA and pANCA. However, these are only done if there is clinical suspicion. Confirmation would be only with biopsy. Very baseline tests i.e. ESR and CRP, if normal (not raised) would make vasculitis very unlikely. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman