Vasculitis

Vasculitis: An Overview

Vasculitis refers to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect arteries, veins, or capillaries. This inflammation can lead to vessel narrowing, weakening, or even rupture, resulting in impaired blood flow and damage to affected tissues and organs. The condition may be localized to specific organs or systemic, involving multiple organ systems.

Vasculitis is classified based on the size of the blood vessels affected—large, medium, or small vessels—and can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to infections, autoimmune disorders, medications, or malignancies. Common types include giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis.