Etymed
vasculitis
Definition
inflammation of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with fever, weight loss, and palpable purpura on her lower extremities. Laboratory studies reveal elevated inflammatory markers and positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Biopsy of affected skin shows transmural inflammation of small and medium-sized arteries. This constellation of findings is consistent with vasculitis affecting the cutaneous vasculature.
Mnemonic
Vasculitis = Vascular inflammation causing vessel wall damage