Clinical approach to vasculitides.

The term vasculitis refers to inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels. The vasculitides are best classified according to the size of the involved vessels into large, medium and small vessel vasculitis. As a group the disorders are not uncommon even in children but the diagnosis of a given condition can often get delayed, or ever be entirely missed, because of multi-system involvement and the consequent protean clinical manifestations. Kawasaki Disease and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura are the commonest vasculitides seen in children. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can go a long way in decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with these disorders.