Vasculitis is a general term for a group of uncommon diseases that feature inflammation of the blood vessels. The blood vessels of the body are referred to as the vascular system. The blood vessels are comprised of arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body and veins that return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen. Vasculitis is characterized by inflammation in and damage to the walls of various blood vessels.
Each of the vasculitis diseases is defined by certain patterns of distribution of blood vessel involvement, particular organ involvement, and laboratory test abnormalities. As a group, these diseases are referred to as vasculitides.
The word vasculitis is derived from the Latin “vasculum”, vessel + “- itis”, inflammation. Another term for vasculitis is angiitis. When arteries are the inflamed blood vessels, the condition is also referred to as arteritis. When the veins are inflamed, it is referred to as venulitis.
What causes vasculitis, and what are examples of diseases with vasculitis?
The actual cause of these vasculitis diseases is usually not known. However, immune system abnormality and inflammation of blood vessels are common features. Each form of vasculitis has its own characteristic pattern of symptoms, much of which depends on what particular organs are affected.
What are the symptoms of vasculitis?
The symptoms of vasculitis vary greatly from person to person, and depend upon the organs affected and the severity.
• Generally, vasculitis causes fatigue and malaise.
• Sometimes vasculitis can lead to weakness and weight loss.
• Vasculitis affecting the skin can cause rashes, skin discoloration, and ulcers.
• Vasculitis affecting the muscles can cause muscle pain.
• Vasculitis affecting the lungs can cause shortness of breath and cough.
• Vasculitis affecting the heart can cause congestive heart failure.
• Vasculitis affecting the brain can cause headaches, confusion, seizures, stroke, paralysis, numbness, and lightheadedness.
• Vasculitis affecting the kidneys can cause kidney failure.
Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/vasculitis/index.htm
