Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by the inflammation of a blood vessel or lymph duct. This inflammation can affect the walls of arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels, potentially disrupting blood or lymph flow.

Usage

The term is used in medical contexts to describe a pathological state. It is typically modified by a word specifying the type or location of the affected vessel (e.g., cerebral angiitis, cutaneous angiitis).

Examples

• The biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of angiitis.
• Angiitis of the small vessels can cause skin rashes and ulcers.
• Symptoms of cerebral angiitis may include severe headaches and cognitive changes.

Advanced Usage

• Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS): A rare form of angiitis that is confined to the brain and spinal cord.
• Hypersensitivity angiitis: Inflammation of small blood vessels, often triggered by an allergic reaction to a drug or infection.

Variants and Related Words

• Vasculitis (n): A more general term for inflammation of blood vessels; angiitis is a specific type of vasculitis.
• Arteritis (n): Inflammation specifically of arteries.
• Phlebitis (n): Inflammation specifically of veins.
• Lymphangitis (n): Inflammation specifically of lymphatic vessels.

Synonyms

• Vasculitis (in a general sense)

Notes on Meaning

While angiitis specifically denotes inflammation, it is often used interchangeably with vasculitis in clinical practice. The choice of term can depend on the medical specialty or the specific diagnostic criteria being used.

Noun

1. inflammation of a blood vessel or lymph duct