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.