Systemic vasculitides. Part 1: Large, medium and variable vessel diseases

Vasculitis, or inflammation of vessel walls, is common and consists of a diverse array of disease entities encompassing virtually all organ systems. As onset is typically subacute and nonspecific, affected patients usually first seek attention from primary care providers. Size and distribution of the affected vasculature dictate end-organ manifestations and preliminary screening tests. Complications may carry high morbidity and mortality; therefore, prompt recognition, specialist referral and institution of immunosuppressive therapy are crucial to obviate potentially poor outcomes