The relevance of a standardised staging in patients with systemic vasculitis

Citation
M. Schwarz-eywill et al., The relevance of a standardised staging in patients with systemic vasculitis, Z RHEUMATOL, 59(3), 2000, pp. 183-190
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Rheumatology
Journal title
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RHEUMATOLOGIE
ISSN journal
03401855 → ACNP
Volume
59
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
183 - 190
Database
ISI
SICI code
0340-1855(200006)59:3<183:TROASS>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Primary systemic vasculitities play an important role in the differential d iagnosis of systemic diseases. They can be classified according to newly de veloped classification criteria. In the past, systemic vasculitities were m ore diagnosed in the general phase of the disease. In the meantime limited forms can be diagnosed more easily. Prior to immunosuppressive therapy, a s tandardized staging-procedure is essential to define the extent of the dise ase. Therefore a program was established using methods that are easy to app ly in all patients. In this setting the usefulness of this approach was inv estigated. Apart from the laboratory tests including antibody testing, the chest x-ray, consultation of the ENT specialist, ultrasound of the abdomen, and ECG were also very useful. The eye and neurological investigations, an d the MRI of the head were of minor significance, but also important.