Vascular Manifestations of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Vascular Manifestations of Systemic Autoimmune presents in one volume the clinical syndromes associated with small and large vessel pathology encountered in the autoimmune connective tissue disorders and includes the pathogenesis, clinical implications, and treatment of these diseases. Now that most individuals survive the onset of acute systemic autoimmune diseases and live for decades more, halting the long-term attack on vasculature is increasingly important. It addresses the most current therapies available for treatment (fibrolytic treatments, prostacycline derivatives, and anti-platelet compounds) and includes a separate chapter devoted to the use of long term anticoagulation and the newer low molecular weight heparins.

Not too long ago, it was thought that inflammation of blood vessels was the sole manifestation of systemic autoimmune diseases. Today, however, we know that disorders of coagulation, injuries to both neutrophils and endothelial cells, and certain lipids and amino acids are all intricately involved in the development of vascular disease. How are all these processes linked? What strategies can we employ or develop to halt the progression of vascular damage? What are the best ways to control acute vasculitis and vasospasm therapeutically? What are the risks and benefits of various strategies for the prevention of clotting? How soon should we initiate preventive strategies that protect blood vessels from arteriosclerosis in people with acute rheumatic diseases? What should be the nature of those strategies?

Vascular Manifestations of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases provides answers to all these questions. Ronald Asherson, Richard Cervera,Steven B. Abramson, Jean-Charles Piette, and Douglas Triplett- all international experts in the field-have assembled a collection of works that provide a comprehensive analysis of vascular irregularities. Now that most individuals survive the onset of acute systemic autoimmune diseases and live for decades more, halting the long-term attack on vasculature is increasingly important.
Vascular Manifestations of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases not only describes the clinical symptoms of vascular diseases; it also covers in one volume the many mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders and addresses the newest treatments available for them.