Polyarteritis Nodosa

Rheumatology

Overview

Definition

Systemic necrotizing vasculitis of medium-sized arteries.

Epidemiology

Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune, strong association with Hepatitis B (30%).

Clinical Symptoms

  • Fever
  • weight loss
  • mononeuritis multiplex
  • livedo reticularis
  • renal/visceral ischemia.

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Tissue biopsy
  • Angiography (microaneurysms - 'rosary sign').

Management

  • High-dose corticosteroids
  • Cyclophosphamide.

Complications

  • Renal failure
  • mesenteric ischemia.