Recent data on the pathology of systemic vasculitis .

In connection with two case reports of connectivities associated with marked vascular lesions, difficult to classify, the authors are reviewing the available data on the role played by vasculitis in the pathogeny of such pathologic states. The chronologic relationship between the occurrence of the systemic vascular involvement and the sensitization to certain drugs, as well as the exposure to various antigens and infections, have suggested the concept of hypersensitization or development of immune disorders with important pathogenic role in these connectivites. The immunodepressive genetic factors, either inborn or acquired, might influence the release and activation of certain slow viruses. These recent discoveries are opening new prospects for an effective etiopathogenic treatment in such diseases.