Table 1

Clinicopathological characteristics of the major GIT vasculitides (adapted from Ahn et al)3

VasculitisManifestationsVesselMicroscopyImmunohistochemistry
Systemic lupus erythematosusPeritonitis, pancreatitisSmall; arteries and veinsAcute/chronic inflammation, necrosis, thrombosisC3
Mixed connective tissue disorderDysphagia, gastro-oesophageal reflux perforationSmall and medium; arteries and veinsIntimal proliferation, medial hypertrophyNone
Henoch-Schonlein purpuraPain, bleeding, haematemesisSmall and medium; arteries, veins and capillariesNeutrophils, fibrin, leucocytoclasia, necrosisIgA, C3
Polyarteritis nodosaPeritonitis, infarction, cholecystitis, appendicitis, duodenal ulcersSmall and medium; arteriesAcute inflammation, medial destructionNone
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss)Pain, bleeding, odynophagia, nausea, vomitingSmall and medium; arteries and veinsGiant cells, eosinophils, necrotising granulomasNone
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's)Pain, bleeding, odynophagiaSmall and medium; arteries and veinsAcute inflammation, necrotising granulomas, multinucleated giant cellsNone
Microscopic polyangiitisPain, bleedingSmall; arteries and veinsAcute inflammationNone

  • GIT, gastrointestinaltract.