title: Systemic vasculitis.
abstract: The systemic vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessel walls. They can be classified according to the size of vessel affected and also into primary de novo vasculitides and secondary to other disease processes. Treatments differ and overlap depending on the type of vasculitis. It is therefore important to make the correct diagnosis and treat appropriately to achieve remission as there is a substantial mortality implication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Southampton General Hospitals Trust NHS, Southampton, UK. kelseyjordan@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Kelsey M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: Cyrus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cooper