Vasculitis or Vasculopathy: How to Differentiate & Manage Them?

Vasculitis refers to the condition where blood vessel wall inflammation leads to its destruction. Vasculopathy, on the other hand, occurs, when a thrombus forms in the arterial lumen and compromises blood flow. The difference between these 2 conditions is subtle. Both conditions may arise from a primary or secondary cause, which often makes the workup and diagnosis challenging. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish both conditions since there are differing aetiologies and treatments for vasculitis and vasculopathy. This lecture involves a review of vasculitis and vasculopathy, and includes an approach to the management of both conditions.