Definition

Necrotizing vasculitis is an inflammatory condition of blood vessels characterized by tissue death, scarring, andproliferation of the walls of the blood vessels, which may result in blockage of the vessel.

Alternative Names

Vasculitis - necrotizing

Causes

Necrotizing vasculitis is rare. It may occur inrheumatoid arthritis and is commonly seen with systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, and progressive systemic sclerosis. It is very rare in children.

The disorder involves inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels. The cause of the inflammation is unknown, but is likely related to autoimmune factors. The tissues become necrotic (dead). The wall of the vessel may scar and thicken. The vessel may close off (occlude), causing lack of blood flow to the tissues supplied by that blood vessel with subsequent infarction (tissue death) of the tissues.

Necrotizing vasculitis may affect any blood vessel of the body, and therefore any part of the body, including the muscles, nerves, kidneys, liver, or any other area.

Review Date: 10/24/2003
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.