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Necrotizing vasculitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Vasculitis - necrotizing

Definition of Necrotizing vasculitis:

Necrotizing vasculitis is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessel walls.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Necrotizing vasculitis is common with:

It is very rare in children.

The cause of the inflammation is unknown. It is likely related to autoimmune factors. The wall of the blood vessel may scar and thicken, or die (become necrotic). The blood vessel may close, interrupting blood flow to the tissues it supplies. The lack of blood flow will cause the tissues to die.

Necrotizing vasculitis may affect any blood vessel in the body. Therefore, it can cause problems with the skin or any of the body's organs.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/20/2011
  • Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Cassidy JT. Systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and vasculitis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris Jr. ED, McInnes IB, Ruddy S,eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th. Philadelphia, Pa: W. B. Saunders Company; 2008: chap 98.

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