Unraveling the mystery: clues to systemic vasculitic disorders.

In this article, the author reviews some of the most common vasculitic disorders, including: polyarteritis nodosa, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, hypersensitivity vasculitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, giant cell arteritis, and Takayasu's arteritis. Information about the definition, general considerations, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, classification criteria, and treatment is included. The significance of early recognition of these disorders in the critical care area is discussed.