Publisher's Synopsis
Inflammation of the blood vessels is referred to as vascularitis. The inflammation can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term), and it can be so severe that it decreases blood flow to tissues and organs. Acute inflammation is more common than chronic inflammation. This can cause potentially life-threatening organ and tissue damage, particularly when vasculitis affects blood arteries in the brain, lungs, kidneys, or other essential regions of the body.
Even though the origin of the vast majority of cases of vasculitis is still a mystery, researchers believe that problems with the immune system are likely to be behind many cases. One explanation proposes that the immune system, for reasons that are not fully understood, launches an attack against the blood vessels, which in turn causes the blood vessels to become inflamed. Some experts are of the opinion that a virus, medication, or another component present in the environment may have started this immunological assault.
