necrotizing vasculitis, an inflammatory condition of blood vessels characterized by necrosis, fibrosis, and proliferation of the inner layer of the vascular wall. Some cases result in occlusion and infarction. Necrotizing vasculitis may occur in rheumatoid arthritis and is common in systemic lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa, and progressive systemic sclerosis. The condition is usually treated with corticosteroids.
