The purpose of this study is to identify genes that increase the risk of developing vasculitis, a group of severe diseases that feature inflammation of blood vessels. Results of these studies will provide vasculitis researchers with insight into the causes of these diseases and generate new ideas for diagnostic tests and therapies, and will be of great interest to the larger communities of researchers investigating vasculitis and other autoimmune, inflammatory, and vascular diseases.
New onset or new type of localized pain in the head
Temporal artery abnormality (i.e. temporal artery tenderness to palpation or decreased pulsation, unrelated to arteriosclerosis of cervical arteries)
ESR of >40mm in the first hour by the Westergren method
Abnormal artery biopsy (i.e. temporal artery biopsy showing vasculitis characterized by a predominance of mononuclear cell infiltration or granulomatous inflammation, usually with multinucleated giant cells)
Inability to give informed consent and to sign the consent form
Enrolled in VCRC protocols 5502, 5503, 5504, 5505, 5506, 5522, or 5523
Unwilling to provide blood for DNA collection
University of Pennsylvania
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborator
Office of Rare Diseases (ORD)
Collaborator
Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network
Collaborator