Vasculitis describes any one of a number of diseases that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation affects the vessel itself, and can cause damage such as thinning, thickening or scarring of the vessels. In severe cases, blood flow to the affected areas can be restricted, leading to tissue damage and possibly death. Vasculitis can be diagnosed through blood tests (the "sed rate"), CT Scan or MRI imaging studies, blood vessel biopsy and or urine tests. See also * Takayasu's arteritis * Wegener's granulomatosis