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Necrotizing vasculitis

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Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Vasculitis - necrotizing

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Necrotizing vasculitis may occur in rheumatoid arthritis and is commonly seen with systemic lupus erythematosus , polyarteritis nodosa , and scleroderma .

It is very rare in children.

The cause of the inflammation is unknown, but is likely related to autoimmune factors. The tissues become necrotic (dead). The wall of the vessel may scar and thicken. The vessel may close, interrupting blood flow to the tissues supplied by that blood vessel. The lack of blood flow will cause death of the tissues.

Necrotizing vasculitis may affect any blood vessel in the body.

• Review Date: 6/18/2007
• Reviewed By: Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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