Necrotizing vasculitis

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Circulatory system

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

Vasculitis - necrotizing

Necrotizing vasculitis is common with:

• Polyarteritis nodosa
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Wegener's granulomatosis

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.

Review Date: 05/31/2009
Reviewed By: Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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