ICD-11

Vasculitides represent a heterogenous group of diseases of multifactorial aetiology characterised by inflammatory lesions of vessels. These lesions consist of fibrinoid necrosis (necrotizing arteritis), giant cell infiltration without necrosis, immunoglobulins deposit or leukocytoclastic infiltration. The spectrum and severity of the systemic vaculitides is broad, from life or sight threatening fulminant disease to relatively minor skin disease.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (hypersensitivity vasculitis; hypersensitivity angiitis) is a histopathological term commonly used to denote a small-vessel vasculitis. It may be localised to the skin or may manifest in other organs. The internal organs affected most commonly include the joints, the gastrointestinal tract, and the kidneys. The prognosis is good in the absence of internal involvement. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis has many causes including infections, drugs and systemic autoimmune diseases but no cause is identified in up to 50% of patients with this condition.