Information detailing the socioeconomic impact of the vasculitides on society has been difficult to obtain. Recent published studies provide preliminary information suggesting that the impact of systemic vasculitis may be significant and far greater than previously anticipated. A rough estimate of expenditures for vasculitis-related hospitalizations for polyarteritis nodosa, hypersensitivity vasculitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu’s arteritis in the US amounted to $150 million per year. Costs associated with outpatient care, disability, and death were not calculated. A more comprehensive investigation into the economic and social burden of these conditions is necessary. Aspects to consider include quantifying the incidence and prevalence of disease, estimating the direct, indirect, and intangible costs of care, assessing long-term clinical outcomes, and measuring quality of life from the patient perspective. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2000, 12:20–23 © 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.