The Use and Misuse of Classification and Diagnostic Criteria for Complex Diseases
Authors: Gene G. Hunder
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1998)

Editorials1 September 1998The Use and Misuse of Classification and Diagnostic Criteria for Complex DiseasesGene G. Hunder, MDGene G. Hunder, MDMayo School of Medicine; Rochester, MN 55905Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-129-5-199809010-00013 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail The vasculitides are a group of complex multisystem disorders that are linked by the presence of necrotizing inflammatory lesions in blood vessels. Arteries and other vessels of various sizes and locations in the body may be involved, resulting in a wide spectrum of manifestations [1]. The causes and pathogenetic mechanisms of vasculitides are poorly understood but are probably diverse. Their severity, course, and outcomes vary. Within the vasculitides, there seem to be several distinct clinical syndromes. However, even these have multiple presentations, and the different syndromes have overlapping findings. These factors have made it difficult to define these diseases and ...References1. Valente RM, Hall S, O'Duffy JD, Conn DL. Vasculitis and related disorders. In: Kelley WN, Harris ED, Ruddy S, Sledge CB, eds. Textbook of Rheumatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1997:1079-122. Google Scholar2. Lie JT. The classification and diagnosis of vasculitis in large and medium-sized blood vessels. Pathol Ann. 1987; 22:125-62. Google Scholar3. Fries JF, Hochberg MC, Medsger TA Jr, Hunder GG, Bombardier C. Criteria for rheumatic disease. Different types and different functions. The American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic and Therapeutic Criteria Committee. Arthritis Rheum. 1994; 37:454-62. Google Scholar4. Bloch DA, Moses LE, Michel BA. Statistical approaches to classification. Methods for developing classification and other criteria rules. Arthritis Rheum. 1990; 33:1137-44. Google Scholar5. Gabriel SE. Classification of rheumatic diseases. In: Klippel JH, Dieppe PA, eds. Rheumatology. 2d ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 1994:3.1-3.4. Google Scholar6. Hunder GG, Arend WP, Bloch DA, Calabrese LH, Fauci AS, Fries JF, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of vasculitis. Introduction. Arthritis Rheum. 1990; 33:1065-7. Google Scholar7. Bloch DA, Michel BA, Hunder GG, McShane DJ, Arend WP, Calabrese LH, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of vasculitis. Patients and methods. Arthritis Rheum. 1990; 33:1068-73. Google Scholar8. Rao JK, Allen NB, Pincus T. Limitations of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria in the diagnosis of vasculitis. Ann Intern Med. 1998; 129:345-52. Google Scholar9. Jennette JC, Falk RJ, Andrassy K, Bacon PA, Churg J, Gross WL, et al. Nomenclature of systemic vasculitides. Proposal of an international consensus conference. Arthritis Rheum. 1994; 37:187-92. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Gene G. Hunder, MDAffiliations: Mayo School of Medicine; Rochester, MN 55905Corresponding Author: Gene G. Hunder, MD, Mayo School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoLimitations of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria in the Diagnosis of Vasculitis Jaya K. Rao , Nancy B. 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Gelfand, MDAmerican College of Rheumatology Criteria for the Diagnosis of VasculitisIsrael Heller, MD, Aharon Isakov, MD, and Marcel Topilsky, MD 1 September 1998Volume 129, Issue 5Page: 417-418KeywordsBiopsyHypersensitivityLesionsPathogensPositive predictive valueResearch laboratoriesRheumatologySpecificityVasculitisWegener granulomatosis ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 1 September 1998 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1998 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...