Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases that cause inflammation of small, medium and large blood vessels. There are many types of vasculitis, such as giant cell arteritis (GCA), Kawasaki disease, microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA or Churg-Strauss), Behçet’s, as well as others. Vasculitis causes poor blood flow to organ tissues such as the lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes, or nerves. Patients may have one or repeated episodes throughout their life. It may be an autoimmune disease, but some types of vasculitis are reactions to medications, cancer or viral infections like hepatitis B or C.

The information in the diseases and conditions fact sheets is for general education only. Please consult your rheumatologist for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment of your unique medical condition. To learn more about vasculitis and up to date guidance, please visit American College of Rheumatology from the following link.