Vasculitis is a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can affect any size of blood vessel, from large arteries to tiny capillaries, and it can occur anywhere in the body. When blood vessels are inflamed, the vessel walls can swell, thicken, narrow, or even become damaged, leading to reduced or blocked blood flow. This can cause damage to the tissues and organs that those vessels supply. Vasculitis can affect various organs such as the kidneys, lungs, nerves, skin, and brain. It can range from mild forms that may improve on their own to severe forms that require aggressive treatment. It is generally considered an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy blood vessels. The exact cause is often unknown but may involve infections, genetic factors, environmental triggers, or other diseases. There are many types of vasculitis, classified by the size of the vessels involved and the organs affected. Examples include Behcet's disease, giant cell arteritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and Kawasaki disease, among others. Symptoms and severity depend on which blood vessels and organs are affected. Vasculitis can cause complications through vessel damage, aneurysms, or bleeding, making early diagnosis and treatment important to avoid serious outcomes. In summary, vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels that can damage various tissues, linked to autoimmune processes, and manifests in many forms affecting different body parts. Treatment and prognosis depend on the specific type and severity of the disease.
