In short
Vasculitis means inflammation of the blood vessels. In primary vasculitis the inflammation is the disease itself; it can narrow or weaken vessels and cut the blood supply to organs, so symptoms depend on which vessels are affected. Early treatment protects the kidneys, lungs and heart, and many people reach remission.
On this page
What is vasculitis?
Inflamed vessel walls can thicken, weaken, narrow or scar, reducing blood flow to the organs they supply. Primary vasculitis is a family of conditions grouped by the size of vessel involved:
- Large vessels: Giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis.
- Medium vessels: Polyarteritis nodosa and Kawasaki disease.
- Small vessels: ANCA-associated vasculitis, IgA vasculitis and anti-GBM disease.
- Variable: Behçet's disease and Cogan syndrome.
Secondary vasculitis is set off by something else — an infection, a medicine, or another autoimmune disease such as lupus.
What are the symptoms of vasculitis?
- Whole-body symptoms Fever, tiredness and weight loss.
- Skin Red or purple spots (GlossaryPurpuraRed or purple spots on the skin from inflamed small blood vessels or bleeding under the skin.All terms A–Z), rashes or ulcers, often on the legs.
- Kidneys Blood or GlossaryHaematuria / ProteinuriaBlood or protein in the urine — signs that the kidneys may be involved.All terms A–Z.
- Lungs Cough, coughing blood or breathlessness.
- Nerves Numbness or weakness.
- Joints, gut and eyes Joint pain, abdominal pain, or red, painful eyes.
How is vasculitis diagnosed?
- Blood tests GlossaryESR / CRPBlood tests that measure inflammation in the body. Useful for tracking disease activity, but they do not point to any one condition.All terms A–Z and ESR, GlossaryANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies)Antibodies that help identify certain small-vessel vasculitis types, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis.All terms A–Z antibodies for small-vessel types, and complement levels.
- Urine and kidney tests To check whether the kidneys are involved.
- Biopsy A small sample of skin, kidney or artery confirms inflamed vessels.
- Imaging CT or MR angiography and Doppler ultrasound show narrowed or bulging vessels.
How is vasculitis treated?
- Steroids Bring inflammation down quickly.
- Immunosuppressants Cyclophosphamide for severe disease; methotrexate or azathioprine to keep remission.
- Rituximab and other biologics For severe or resistant disease, including ANCA vasculitis.
- GlossaryPlasmapheresisPlasma exchange: filtering the blood to remove harmful antibodies, used in some severe cases.All terms A–Z Filters harmful antibodies in some severe cases.
- Supportive care Including dialysis or physiotherapy if needed.
What is the outlook?
- It depends on the type, the organs involved and how early treatment starts.
- Many people reach remission; relapses are possible, so regular follow-up matters.
- Treatment has greatly improved outcomes across most forms of vasculitis.
Questions patients ask
What is the difference between primary and secondary vasculitis?
Primary vasculitis is a disease in its own right. Secondary vasculitis is caused by something else — an infection, a medicine or another autoimmune disease — so treating that trigger is part of the plan.
How will my doctor know which type I have?
From the overall pattern: which organs are affected, blood tests including ANCA, and sometimes imaging or a biopsy. The type matters because treatment differs.
Can vasculitis be cured?
It depends on the type. Some forms in children clear completely. Most adult forms are long-term, but treatment brings most people into remission or good control.
Is vasculitis contagious or hereditary?
It is not contagious. Most forms are not inherited, though genes play a modest role in some, such as Behçet's disease.
Words worth knowing
Full glossary- ANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies)
- Antibodies that help identify certain small-vessel vasculitis types, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
- ESR / CRP
- Blood tests that measure inflammation in the body. Useful for tracking disease activity, but they do not point to any one condition.
- Haematuria / Proteinuria
- Blood or protein in the urine — signs that the kidneys may be involved.
- Plasmapheresis
- Plasma exchange: filtering the blood to remove harmful antibodies, used in some severe cases.
- Purpura
- Red or purple spots on the skin from inflamed small blood vessels or bleeding under the skin.
This page is intended for general patient education and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your rheumatologist about your specific symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Last updated 3 October 2026.