Vasculitis I: Overview Vasculitis is a spectrum of disorders characterised by acute and chronic inflammatory changes in the vessel wall. While the management of vasculitis is rarely surgical, many patients may present to a vascular service for an opinion on managing the ischaemic component. There are numerous disorders, most of whose aetiology is unknown. Long-term complications may include vessel fibrosis, stenosis and occlusion (often microvascular occlusion) with tissue ischaemia ± end-organ injury. The condition may be confined to the skin (cutaneous vasculitis) or may be systemic. Systemic vasculitis is characterised by: In addition there is further classification according to the size and therefore type (elastic versus muscular) of vessel predominantly affected (see Figure 46.1).
Broad Classification
Clinical Picture and Examination
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