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Vasculitis


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels.

What is going on in the body?

Blood vessels can become inflamed for many reasons. There are different types of vasculitis based on the size and type of blood vessel involved and the pattern of inflammation. Inflammation of blood vessels can lead to serious problems in the body, such as blocking blood flow.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Inflammation of blood vessels may occur in response to:

  • medication.
  • allergic reactions.
  • infections.
  • toxic chemical exposure.
  • underlying diseases, such as autoimmune disorders. These are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks their own body.
  • inherited conditions.
  • smoking.
  • The primary risk of this condition is that blood flow may be reduced to body tissues. These tissues may then become damaged or destroyed. If the tissue or organ is important, such as the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, or other important organs, serious body damage and disability may result. Death can occur in severe forms of this condition.


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