Clinical Vignettes

Launched 2026

Learn about hot topics in ANCA vasculitis with a video podcast from Dr. Christian Pagnoux, one of our CanVasc founders and world-renowned expert in vasculitis. The Podcast will consist of several videos reviewing recent cutting-edge evidence and practical tips for managing ANCA vasculitis.

CAVALI Book

Published Early 2023

CanVasc CAVALI book, launched in 2017, offers case-based learning on vasculitides. Updated editions in 2019 and 2023 added new content and cases. Free print and PDF copies are shared with physicians and residents nationwide.

• 3rd Edition published early 2023
• Over 1500 copies distributed across Canada
• Endorsed by the Canadian Rheumatology Association

Avacopan Recommendations

2022 Addendum

CanVasc is the first vasculitis group in the world to have developed and publish consensus recommendations on how to use avacopan in patients with severe ANCA-associated vasculitis (GPA or MPA), in the Canadian health care environment.

• World’s first consensus recommendations
• Approved by Health Canada April 2022
• Updates previous 2016 and 2020 recommendations

Ongoing Studies

We support and coordinate national studies focused on vasculitis diagnosis, treatment, and long-term patient outcomes.

Meetings

CanVasc hosts regular meetings and conferences to bring together clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders across Canada.

Recognizing and Treating Vasculitides Early

Vasculitides are serious diseases marked by inflammation of blood vessels, often affecting vital organs like the heart, lungs, or brain. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, one-year survival exceeds 90%, underscoring the importance of early medical intervention.

Understanding Vasculitis: Causes and Cellular Clues

These conditions may occur on their own or as a secondary response to infections, systemic illnesses, cancers, medications, or toxic exposures (e.g., levamisole-contaminated cocaine). They may present with features like fibrinoid necrosis or granulomas, depending on the type and severity.

Large Vessel Vasculitides

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), Takayasu Arteritis (TA)

Medium Vessel Vasculitides

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN), Kawasaki Disease (KD)

Small Vessel Vasculitides

ANCA-Associated Vasculitides (AAV), Immune Complex Small Vessel Vasculitides, Other Small Vessel Vasculitides

Other Vasculitides

Behcet’s Disease, Isolated CNS vasculitis

2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference

In 2012, the international Chapel Hill Consensus Conference updated the official nomenclature of vasculitides. The revised system provided clearer definitions and standardized classifications, helping clinicians and researchers better distinguish the different forms of vasculitis and improve communication in the field.

Epidemiology

Vasculitides are rare diseases. There are only few epidemiological studies on vasculitides in adults in Canada, and only a few more have been done in the United States. However, based on European, Australian, New-Zealander and Japanese studies, one can estimate the overall prevalence and annual incidence ranges of primary vasculitides as follows:

Tools for Physicians

Recommended tools such as vasculitis activity and damage scoring forms, and steroid tapering regimens.

• Activity scoring forms
• Damage assessment tools
• Steroid tapering guides
• Clinical protocols

Learning Materials

A curated collection of educational resources for physicians and trainees

• CAVALI Book insights
• Video teaching summaries
• Key trial reviews (PEXIVAS, ADVOCATE, GiACTA)
• Updates from ANCA workshops

Cleveland Clinic CME Website

Continuing medical education resources for healthcare professionals, including vasculitis-focused modules.

European Vasculitis Study Group (EUVAS)

Pan-European initiative standardizing vasculitis diagnosis and treatment protocols.

FAIRVASC

FAIRVASC – building registry interoperability to inform clinical care

French Vasculitis Study Group (FVSG)

Collaborative group focused on clinical studies and improving outcomes for vasculitis patients in France.

RheumInfo.com

Trusted resource for patients and clinicians with detailed information on rheumatic diseases including vasculitis.

Vasculitis Clinic – Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital

Specialized clinic offering multidisciplinary care for vasculitis patients in Quebec, Canada.

Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC)

North American network advancing clinical research and trials in vasculitis care and treatment.

VPreg

Registry and research program focused on pregnancy outcomes in women with vasculitis and other rare diseases.

Vasculitis Patient-Powered Research Network (VPPRN)

Patient-driven research initiative empowering individuals to contribute to vasculitis studies and data collection.

Vasculitis Foundation

Global organization supporting patients and families through education, research funding, and community outreach.

Vasculitis Foundation Canada

Canadian nonprofit offering education, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by vasculitis.

Become a Member

Join our non-profit scientific network

Membership Benefits

• Free membership with no obligations
• Occasional updates on CanVasc activities
• Information about meetings and studies
• Access to research opportunities
• Connection with vasculitis experts
• No unsolicited mailings from third parties

Stay Connected

Receive occasional updates about CanVasc activities, meetings, and research opportunities in vasculitis.

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CanVasc is a non-profit scientific network. You will not receive any unsolicited mailing from other companies or groups.

Professional Network

Connect with healthcare providers across Canada who share your interest in vasculitis research and patient care.