Screening for cerebral vasculitis, role of physicians, nursing, pharmacists and clinical labratory

Abstract

Vasculitides are distinguished by the presence of inflammation and necrosis in the wall of blood vessels. Giant-cell arteritis primarily affects large vessels such as the aorta, while classic polyarteritis nodosa primarily affects medium-sized arteries. The small-vessel vasculitides are classified into two groups: those with antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) and those without. Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an uncommon condition that impacts medium and small-sized blood vessels. The primary manifestations of cerebral vasculitis include stroke, headache, and encephalopathy. The diagnosis relies on laboratory and imaging results. Systemic vasculitis can lead to cerebral affection, which is characterized by an acute inflammatory response. This response is accompanied by elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and higher levels of C-reactive protein. In numerous cerebral vasculitides, such as primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis shows evidence of inflammation. Therefore, every healthcare provider such as, physcians, nursing, pharmacist and clinical laboratory have a crucial role in the screening and management of cerebral vasculitis.