The publication presents vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis, as the most common type of vascular inflammatory diseases, as well as a classic vaculitic unit – periarteritis nodosa. Wegener’s granulomatosis is also described due to it’s relative frequency. The last two diseases usually take severe course. Unsatisfying knowledge of their often non-characteristic presentation results in a high mortality rate. The treatment of the diseases is difficult, but timely diagnosis gives a chance to save the patient’s life.