Differential Diagnosis for Medium Vessel Vasculitis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN): This is the most common form of medium vessel vasculitis, characterized by necrotizing inflammation of medium-sized or small arteries without glomerulonephritis or vasculitis in arterioles, capillaries, or venules. Justification: PAN is a well-documented cause of medium vessel vasculitis, often presenting with systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and hypertension, along with organ-specific symptoms depending on the vessels involved.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute, febrile vasculitis syndrome that primarily affects children, involving medium-sized arteries, particularly the coronary arteries. Justification: Although more common in children, Kawasaki disease can occur in adults and is a significant consideration due to its potential for causing coronary artery aneurysms.
- ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (specifically, Microscopic Polyangiitis and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): While these conditions more commonly affect small vessels, they can also involve medium-sized vessels and are important to consider due to their potential for renal and respiratory involvement. Justification: The presence of ANCA antibodies and the pattern of organ involvement can guide the diagnosis towards these conditions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infectious Vasculitis (e.g., due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi): Infections can cause vasculitis by direct invasion of the vessel wall or through immune complex deposition. Justification: Missing an infectious cause could lead to inadequate treatment and potentially fatal outcomes, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostic workup including blood cultures and serological tests.
- Vasculitis due to Connective Tissue Diseases (e.g., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis): These conditions can cause vasculitis of various sizes of blood vessels, including medium vessels. Justification: The presence of a connective tissue disease can significantly impact the treatment approach and prognosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis: A rare form of vasculitis that exclusively affects the vessels of the central nervous system. Justification: Although rare, this condition can present with medium vessel involvement and is crucial to diagnose due to its isolated CNS involvement and potential for severe neurological deficits.
- Cogan Syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by vasculitis and inflammation of the eyes and ears, which can also involve medium-sized vessels. Justification: Its rarity and potential for significant morbidity if not recognized and treated promptly make it a diagnosis not to be overlooked in the appropriate clinical context.
- Ergotism: A condition caused by excessive and prolonged use of ergotamine or ergot-derived medications, leading to vasospasm and vasculitis of medium and small arteries. Justification: Given its iatrogenic nature and the potential for severe vascular complications, ergotism is an important, albeit rare, diagnosis to consider in patients with a history of ergotamine use.