Living with Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
A group of conditions causing inflammation of small blood vessels that can affect the kidneys, lungs, and gut.
Understanding Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
The group includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis. Signs vary and can affect organs such as the kidney, stomach, intestine, and lung. Skin changes can occur when blood leaks from small vessels under the skin.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition, but its summary describes these features:
- Inflammation of small blood vessels
- Kidney, stomach, intestine, or lung problems
- Purple spots on the skin (purpura)
- Hives (urticaria)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Global Autoimmune Institute and Vasculitis Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Global Autoimmune Institute, Vasculitis Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Global Autoimmune Institute and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the condition occurs when white blood cells called neutrophils attack small and medium blood vessels. The underlying reason is not clear.
Also known as: aav; anca-associated vasculitis; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (anca) positive vasculitis; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive vasculitis; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Patient organizations
- Global Autoimmune InstituteAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis · United States
- Vasculitis FoundationAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
Explore research for Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Explore actively recruiting Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.