The contrast agent enables the blood vessels to appear on the X-ray pictures. Significant narrowing of blood vessels may result in turbulent blood flow through the narrowed area that creates an unusual sound called a bruit. A biopsy is most appropriate when easily accessible areas, such as the skin, are affected. However, when large blood vessels are affected, a biopsy is often not practical because of the risks of surgery. The most frequently used drug in this category is prednisone or prednisolone.
Corticosteroids work within hours after the first dose is provided.
While this medication is often dramatically effective, it may be only partially effective for some patients. The goal of therapy is to stop all damage due to vasculitis. Once it is apparent that the disease is under control, doctors slowly reduce the dosage of prednisone to sustain improvement, thereby trying to minimize treatment side effects. In some patients, it is possible to gradually discontinue medication without a relapse. As the dosage of prednisone is gradually reduced, about half of all patients will have recurrent symptoms or progression of illness.