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Last updated Monday, December 27, 2004
Effects
Inflammation damages the lining of the blood vessels. As a result, the inflamed vessels narrow or close completely, causing the blood flow to slow down or even stop. Blockage of the blood supply prevents organs and tissues from functioning normally, which causes many of the symptoms of these diseases.
PAN, Wegener's, and other types of chronic vasculitis are considered to be autoimmune diseases--that is, for reasons that are not well understood, the blood proteins (antibodies) and white blood cells (lymphocytes) of the immune system attack and damage one's own body tissues instead of attacking only foreign, infectious organisms.
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