Author Description

This book is a comprehensive review of vasculitis, a fascinating array of the life-threatening and minor conditions caused by inflammatory syndromes and diseases that affect the blood vessels. It brings together in a unique way, consepts from both the biology and clinical aspects of vasculitis. Research in clinical immunology now invigorates the entire area of vasculitis, and shape a rational approach to pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment which is the substance of this text. Over 40 chapters cover known vasculitic conditions, and are illustrated with numerous photographs, diagrams and tables. Some chapters, such as that of aortitis, are brief, and others, such as those devoted to Behcet's disease, are much longer, in keeping with their prevalence. The authors have been chosen based on their unique experiences with vasculitic conditions. Most of these conditions are rare in most areas of the globe, and it is the exceptional clinician who has much experience with more than a few of these; thus, drawing upon authors from all over the world has enabled the editors to provide informed discussions of all of them.The book is illustrated with numerous color illustrations of clinical manifestations and also contains superb illustrations of invasive and non-invasive imaging.