title: Cutaneous vasculitis.
abstract: Vasculitis is defined as inflammation of blood vessels and can affect multiple organs. Several classification systems exist to categorize vasculitis such as vessel size, presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, pathogenesis of the inflammation, and type of inflammatory cell infiltrate. Cutaneous vasculitis occurs as a manifestation of many diseases including rheumatologic diseases, hypersensitivity syndromes, infections, and malignancies. The diagnosis of the cutaneous vasculitis and the underlying cause requires a complete history and physical exam and usually a biopsy or angiogram. The treatment depends on the etiology of the inflammation and includes immunosuppression, withdrawal of the offending agent, antibacterial/antiviral agents, and chemotherapies. A clear understanding and approach to this condition will improve the physician's ability to provide optimal patient care.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA.
authors.forename: Samina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hayat
authors.forename: Seth Mark
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Berney
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*