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Vasculitis

»	How are vasculitic disorders defined and classified?
»	Are there specific serologic markers for any of these vasculitic disorders?
»	What is a leukocytoclastic vasculitis?
»	What are some important precipitating causes of small vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis?
»	What is Henoch-Schönlein purpura?
»	What is the mnemonic that can help remember the clinical features of Henoch-Schönlein purpura?
»	What is “acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy” and how does it differ from Henoch-Schönlein purpura?
»	What are cryoglobulins?
»	Can cryoglobulins produce a vasculitis?
»	What is Churg-Strauss syndrome?
»	What were those features again?
»	What is Wegener’s granulomatosis?
»	What are the features needed to establish a diagnosis of Wegener’s granulomatosis.
»	Is there an easy way to remember these diagnostic criteria?
»	List the cutaneous findings in Wegener’s granulomatosis.
»	Wegener’s granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome seem very similar. How do you distinguish between them?
»	What forms of treatment are available for Wegener’s granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome?
»	What are the major organs involved in classic (systemic) polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)?
»	How is classic polyarteritis nodosa different from Kawasaki disease?
»	What is primary cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa?
»	What is the primary difference between microscopic polyangiitis and PAN?
»	What is the difference between giant cell (temporal) arteritis and Takayasu arteritis?
»	What is erythema elevatum diutinum?
»	Are there any other obscure disorders known to dermatologists, but little known to other subspecialties, that could be classified as vasculitis?

What is Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a variant of leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by the deposition of immune complexes containing IgA in small vessels with the most commonly affected vessels being in the skin, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. The precipitating antigen is not identifiable in all cases but many cases are associated with streptococcal or viral infections. It is usually seen in young children although any age can be affected. The classic four components of the syndrome include cutaneous palpable purpura, colicky abdominal pain, arthralgias and/or arthritis and kidney involvement.

González LM, Janniger CK, Schwartz RA: Pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Int J Dermatol 48:1157–1165, 2009.