What is inflammatory vasculitis?

Vasculitis affects the body's blood vessels, causing them to become inflamed to the point of restricting the blood flow needed to maintain tissues and organs in a healthy state. The result can be tissue damage or damage to one or more organs in the body.

Vasculitis affects certain individuals for only a short period of time, while it is a chronic problem for others. Some cases of vasculitis resolve themselves without the need for medical attention, but others are more dangerous and require examination and treatment by a medical professional. Certain instances of vasculitis can be fatal if left untreated.