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Polyarteritis Nodosa
Medical Questions » Polyarteritis Nodosa
| Name: Polyarteritis Nodosa |
| Also known as: PAN; Periarteritis Nodosa |
| Inflammation of small to medium-sized arteries. The damaged artery may become weakened and balloon out to several times its normal diameter, it may scar and shrink down, or the blood passing through the inflamed section of artery may clot and completely block the artery (a thrombosis). The arteries affected may be anywhere in the body, but the gut, liver, heart, testes, kidney, and muscles are most commonly involved. |
Causes of Polyarteritis Nodosa
Unknown, but more common in drug abusers and in patients with hepatitis B. Rarely it may be a side effect of medication. Men are three times more likely to develop the disease than women, and it is most common in young adults. |
Symptoms of Polyarteritis Nodosa
Very varied, depending on which arteries and organs are involved. The patient is usually feverish, and has pain in the area involved. Specific complaints may include muscle pain, palpitations, arthritis, skin ulcers, spots in the vision, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and high blood pressure. |
Tests for Polyarteritis Nodosa
No diagnostic blood tests. A biopsy (sample) taken from an involved artery confirms the diagnosis. |
Treatment for Polyarteritis Nodosa
Taking steroids (eg. prednisone) in high doses for a long period of time. Immunosuppressive drugs may also be used.
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Complications of Polyarteritis Nodosa of its treatment
None. |
Likely Outcome of Polyarteritis Nodosa
Varies markedly from one patient to another, depending upon the areas and arteries involved. Some patients do recover, but the majority slowly deteriorate to die within a few months or years. |
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