Vasculitis in children: Classification and clinical presentation

Childhood vasculitis is a challenging and complex group of conditions that are multisystem in nature and often require integrated care from multiple subspecialties including rheumatology, dermatology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and gastroenterology. vasculitis is defined as the presence of inflammation in a blood vessel that may occur as a primary process or secondary to an underlying disease. In children, vasculitis is rare, with reported annual incidences that range from 12 to 53 per 100,000 children under 17 years of age. annual incidences of primary vasculitis accounting 2-10% of all pediatric rheumatology clinics. Vasculitis can be secondary to infection, malignancy, drug exposure, and other rheumatic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile dermatomyositis.