Vasculitis

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Definition

Vasculitis is an inflammation of your blood vessels. Also called angiitis, vasculitis causes changes in the walls of your blood vessels, including thickening, weakening, narrowing and scarring. Inflammation can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) and can be so severe that the tissues and organs supplied by the affected vessels don't get enough blood. The shortage of blood can result in organ and tissue damage, even death.

There are many types of vasculitis and, although rare, vasculitis can affect anyone. Some age groups are affected more than others, depending on the type of vasculitis. Some forms of vasculitis improve on their own, but others require treatment — often including taking medications for an extended period of time.

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Symptoms