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vasculitis

Blood Vessel Inflammation

Plain-language definition

Inflammation of blood vessel walls that can narrow, weaken, or scar them. Retinal vasculitis causes vessel sheathing and can lead to ischemia.

Where this term comes up

  • “Look for inflammation (vasculitis)”

    Test · Fluorescein Angiography

  • “About 40-50% of patients have an underlying autoimmune or infectious disease, commonly rheumatoid arthritis or vasculitis”

    Condition · Scleritis

  • “Can cause serious intraocular inflammation, including retinal vasculitis and blood-vessel blockage; report new pain, redness, floaters, or vision changes immediately”

    Treatment · Anti-VEGF Injections (Intravitreal Injections)

Category
Condition, finding, or disease process
Also written as
No alternate forms listed.

Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.

Related glossary terms

  • CRP

    C-Reactive Protein

  • ESR

    Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

  • ischemia

    Reduced Blood Supply

  • arthritis

    Joint Inflammation

  • MRI

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • GCA

    Giant Cell Arteritis

A note on medical context

A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.