Definitions

Abstract

The systemic vasculitides are relatively uncommon but important conditions which cause significant morbidity and mortality and often confusion at first presentation to a broad spectrum of clinicians. Recent advances in treatment have made it possible for most conditions to be effectively controlled and sometimes even cured. Thirty or forty years ago, these were diseases with a high mortality, but the introduction of appropriate immunosuppressive treatment has changed the outcome for most patients, such that they are now part of the spectrum of chronic inflammatory diseases requiring ongoing treatment and monitoring.