Systemic vascuMtis: state of the art and emerging concepts

摘要

The recognition of vasculitis as a distinct clinical entity goes back about 150 years , but systemic vasculitides still remain elusive from many standpoints. Joint efforts have generated more accurate classification schemes [2-4], provided new diagnostic tools , and defined better treatment strategies tailored to' disease severity . These advances have undoubtedly translated into a significant improvement of the prognosis; however, vasculitis continues to pose many challenges, and research into its etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapy remains in full swing.