[An etiopathogenic and diagnostic update of vasculitis]

In this study, we examine with attention the latest etiopathogenic findings of this protein-like group of diseases in which even today, exist unclear and controversial aspects. We analyze from an immunological point of view either the role of immunocomplexes and the role of cell-mediated immunity, standing out the direct antibodies-mediated injury, especially emphasizing antineutrophil antibodies. Next, we describe steps and attitudes to be taken when facing one of these diseases diagnosis, including not only suspect, confirmation and degree of spreading, but also setting behaviour guidelines that make feasible the search of associate diseases and discarding other kind of diseases with which may arise some confusion.