Welcome to CanVasc
The Canadian network for research on vasculitides, advancing care and improving outcomes for patients across Canada since 2010.
Network
Connecting physicians and researchers across Canada
Research
Advancing vasculitis research across Canada
Education
Providing clinical support and education for medical professionals
About CanVasc
CanVasc is a Canadian research network focused on vasculitides, founded in 2010 by Drs. Pagnoux, Carette, and Khalidi. Its first mission was to identify referral centers and physicians across Canada with vasculitis expertise. The network supports clinical studies, offers guidance and educational resources for healthcare professionals, and promotes best practices in patient care. By optimizing treatment strategies for these rare diseases, CanVasc aims to improve patient outcomes nationwide.
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.
Latest Highlights
Stay Updated with our recent publications and initiatives
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 2019 recommendations
Webinars and Meetings
CanVasc started in 2020 to hold webinars on vasculitis, and will continue to do so
The most recent webinar was held in December 2025 with Dr. John Stone on IgG4-related disease It was recorded, and along the previous recorded CanVasc webinars, it can be accessed a few weeks after the live session on the Webinars page!
Vasculitides
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.
Classification of Vasculitides by Vessel Size
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 VasculitidesOther Vasculitides
Behcet's Disease, Isolated CNS vasculitis2012 Revised Internation 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:
Educational Resources
Stay current on vasculitis care with CanVasc online materials — featuring expert-reviewed articles and curated summaries from our core members.
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
Ongoing Studies
Table summary of ongoing recruiting studies in some Canadian centres.
- CanVasc recommendations
- Prognostic and activity scores
- Steroid tapering and maintenance strategies
- Current studies overview
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
Browse All Resources
Click the button below to access the full collection of CanVasc educational resources — featuring article reviews and expert summaries on vasculitis.
Explore Key Links
For Physicians
Continuing medical education resources for healthcare professionals, including vasculitis-focused modules.
Pan-European initiative standardizing vasculitis diagnosis and treatment protocols.
FAIRVASC – building registry interoperability to inform clinical care
Collaborative group focused on clinical studies and improving outcomes for vasculitis patients in France.
Trusted resource for patients and clinicians with detailed information on rheumatic diseases including vasculitis.
Specialized clinic offering multidisciplinary care for vasculitis patients in Quebec, Canada.
North American network advancing clinical research and trials in vasculitis care and treatment.
For Patients
Registry and research program focused on pregnancy outcomes in women with vasculitis and other rare diseases.
Patient-driven research initiative empowering individuals to contribute to vasculitis studies and data collection.
Patient Support Groups
Global organization supporting patients and families through education, research funding, and community outreach.
Canadian nonprofit offering education, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by vasculitis.
CanVasc Core Members & Centres
Select a province to view core members and their affiliated centres across Canada.
Join CanVasc
Register to become a CanVasc member and connect with healthcare providers interested in vasculitis research and activities.
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.
Privacy Guaranteed
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.
Who Can Join
If you are a health care provider interested in vasculitis and CanVasc activities, you can register by filling out the registration form. At this time, membership is free and does not imply anything.
CanVasc
Canadian Vasculitis Network
admin@canvasc.ca
Canada
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