Rheumatic masqueraders: mimics of primary vasculitis - a case-based review.

The diagnosis of vasculitis requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical, radiographic, and histologic features. Clinicians should be familiar with mimics of primary vasculitis conditions. In the case of non-inflammatory mimics, it is important to differentiate from primary vasculitides in order to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful immunosuppression. For cases of secondary vasculitis, identification of the correct etiologic cause is critical because treatment of the underlying stimulus is necessary for successful management and outcomes.