Vasculitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of blood vessels to thicken and narrow, which can restrict blood flow and result in tissue and organ damage. Vasculitis can affect any of the body's blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

The condition can be acute or chronic, and it can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. There are many types of vasculitis, each affecting different sizes and types of blood vessels and different parts of the body. Some types of vasculitis are primary conditions, while others occur as secondary to another underlying disease. Types of vasculitis include Behcet’s disease, cryoglobulinemia, and Kawasaki disease.