A Rare Case of Single-Organ Vasculitis of the Hepatic Artery in a Female Patient: Diagnosis and Management Challenges

Abstract

This case report describes a rare occurrence of isolated vasculitis of the hepatic artery in a female patient. The patient presented with abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss, and a diagnosis was made through a combination of imaging studies and serological evaluation of systemic vasculitis. The management of this case was challenging because of the involvement of the hepatic artery without any other clinical manifestations of the systemic disease, apart from the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide. The authors highlight the importance of considering vasculitis as a potential diagnosis in patients with unexplained abdominal pain and fever and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of these patients. This case also emphasizes the potential complications of vasculitis, including aneurysm formation, and the need for close monitoring and follow-up of these patients.

Keywords: early onset of rheumatoid arthritis; hepatic artery vasculitis; imaging in vasculitis; rheumatoid factor (rf); single organ vasculitis.