Glossary
A
- ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV)
ANCA-associated vasculitis, or AAV, is a form of vasculitis that primarily affects the small blood vessels in your body.
- Antibody
A type of protein that is produced by the immune system to fight off foreign substances and germs.
- Autoantibody
An antibody that acts against tissues and cells of the body.
- Autoimmune disease
A group of diseases that occurs when the cells and tissues are attacked by its own immune system (the body’s natural defense system).
B
- B-cell
A type of white blood cell (or lymphocyte) that helps the body fight infection. B-cells are a type of immune cell.
- Biopsy
During a biopsy, your doctor will take a tissue sample from a blood vessel or an affected organ. A pathologist, a doctor who specializes in studying cells and tissues under a microscope, will look at the sample for signs of inflammation or tissue damage.
C
- CD20
A protein marker found on the surface of almost all B-cells. B-cells are said to be CD20-positive if they have the CD20 marker.
- Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS)
A type of ANCA-associated vasculitis. People with CSS almost always have asthma. They may also experience weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever cough, rashes, and sinus pain. If left untreated, CSS can affect any organ including the lungs, heart, nerves, skin, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, eyes, muscles, and joints. It is important to note that Rituxan was not studied in people who have CSS.
- Computed tomography scan
A computed tomography scan (usually called a CT scan) is a type of X-ray that creates more detailed pictures of your internal organs than a standard X-ray. It can show abnormalities that have developed in your sinuses, chest, or abdominal organs.
F
- Flare
Flares occur when your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
G
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
A type of ANCA-associated vasculitis that can be present in the entire body. It affects the sinuses and nose, lungs, and frequently involves the kidneys, eyes, ears, throat, skin, and other body organs.
I
- Immune system
The body's natural defense system designed normally to seek and destroy foreign substances in the body, including germs.
- Indication
Approved use of a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Inflammation
The reaction of body tissues to injury, such as irritation in the lining of the joints. Inflammation is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.
- Intravenous (IV) infusion
The placement of a fluid into the bloodstream. The fluid is injected through a catheter, a long narrow tube that has been inserted into a vein, and is pumped in or flows in by gravity.
M
- Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)
A type of ANCA-associated vasculitis that can affect different parts of the body, including the kidneys, lungs, sinuses, nerves, and skin.
R
- Remission
Remission is a long or short period of time after a flare when symptoms are controlled or go away. It is a time when the disease is considered quiet.
S
- Side effect
An unwanted effect of a drug that is potentially harmful.
- Symptom
A sign or an indication of a disorder or disease, especially when experienced by an individual as a change from normal function, sensation, or appearance.
V
- Vasculitis
An inflammation of the blood vessels in the body. The cause of most types of vasculitis is unknown. Some types of vasculitis are caused by infection, allergies, or medications. Others are caused by an autoimmune reaction, which causes the body to attack its own blood vessels, making them inflamed.