Final answer:
The work-up for suspected cutaneous vasculitis involves a medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The work-up and investigations for suspected cutaneous vasculitis typically include a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by laboratory tests and imaging studies.
The medical history may include questions about the duration and progression of symptoms, any potential triggers or underlying medical conditions, and any previous episodes of vasculitis. The physical examination may involve a detailed skin examination to identify characteristic skin lesions and other signs of inflammation.
Laboratory tests that may be ordered include blood tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and autoantibody testing. Skin biopsies may also be performed to examine the affected tissue under a microscope.
Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be done to assess the extent and severity of the vasculitis and to rule out any underlying systemic involvement.