Microscopic polyangiitis lacks the immune complex deposition in the blood vessels seen in Sch nlein-Henoch purpura and the upper airway involvement and granulomas present in Wegener's granulomatosis. Also, unlike in polyarteritis nodosa, no aneurysms are detected on angiography. The diagnosis is confirmed on biopsy of the involved organ. Treatment of microscopic polyangiitis is the same as that of Wegener's granulomatosis , and patient prognosis in the two diseases is similar. Among the vasculitides we share symptoms, medications, and obstacles.
Patients can learn a great deal from one another - despite the difference in disease names.
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