Abstract
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessel walls. It occurs when the patient’s immune system mistakenly attacks a blood vessel. The inflammation can cause weakening or narrowing of the vessels. Etiologies may include infection, injury, medication, and autoimmune or other medical conditions. Sometimes the cause is not clear. Vasculitis is rare in children but does occur in older children and adolescents. The main types of vasculitis that may involve the heart or aorta in children and adolescents are Kawasaki disease and Takayasu arteritis.