Mayo Clinic Minute: How vasculitis affects the body

The Vasculitis Clinic at Mayo Clinic is a place where experts in a number of fields of medicine help adults and children diagnose and treat vasculitis, and conduct important research. But what is this relatively rare condition?

Vasculitis is a group of conditions — all related to inflammation of blood vessels.

The exact cause of vasculitis isn't fully understood, but, in some cases, it might be genetic. It also could be triggered by an infection, cancer, immune disorder or a reaction to certain medications. The inflammation causes blood vessels to thicken and restrict blood flow, damaging organs and tissue.

Initially, the symptoms can be vague.

But as it progresses, more parts of the body will have symptoms.

Treatment is usually medications that target the immune system and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are the most common drugs prescribed.
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