vasculitis

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood or lymph vessels. This inflammation can lead to the degeneration of small blood vessels, particularly in organs like the lungs, kidneys, and sinuses. The inflammation causes reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, potentially leading to the formation of granulomas, which are accumulations of immune cells.12

Vasculitis is considered a form of autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can result in antibody-antigen complexes being deposited in blood vessel walls, causing damage. While the exact cause of vasculitis is often unclear, it can affect individuals of any age, though it commonly appears in mid-adulthood. Early diagnosis and treatment, often involving immunosuppressant drugs like glucocorticoids, are crucial to prevent permanent organ damage.32