Polyarteritis Nodosa Overview
Learn About Polyarteritis Nodosa
Polyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.
Periarteritis nodosa; PAN; Systemic necrotizing vasculitis
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues. The cause of polyarteritis nodosa is unknown. The condition occurs when certain immune cells attack the affected arteries. The tissues that are fed by the affected arteries do not get the oxygen and nourishment they need. Damage occurs as a result.
More adults than children get this disease.
People with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C may develop this disease.
Symptoms are caused by damage to affected organs. The skin, joints, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidneys, and nervous system are often affected.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint aches
- Muscle aches
- Unintentional weight loss
- Weakness
If nerves are affected, you may have numbness, pain, burning, and weakness. Damage to the nervous system may cause strokes or seizures.
Treatment involves medicines to suppress inflammation and the immune system. These may include steroids, such as prednisone. Similar medicines, such as azathioprine, methotrexate or mycophenolate that allow for reducing the dose of steroids are often used as well. Cyclophosphamide is used in severe cases.
For polyarteritis nodosa related to hepatitis, treatment may involve plasmapheresis and antiviral medicines.
Puyallup Dermatology Clinic Inc P.S.
Jason Meeker is a Dermatologist in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Meeker and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa. His top areas of expertise are Rosacea, Actinic Keratosis, Seborrheic Keratosis, and Polyarteritis Nodosa. Dr. Meeker is currently accepting new patients.
Multicare Health System
Dina Titova is a Rheumatologist in Gig Harbor, Washington. Dr. Titova and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa. Her top areas of expertise are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD), Psoriatic Arthritis, and Dermatomyositis. Dr. Titova is currently accepting new patients.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Of Washington
Syed Islam is a Rheumatologist in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Islam and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa. His top area of expertise is Polyarteritis Nodosa.
Current treatments with steroids and other medicines that suppress the immune system (such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide) can improve symptoms and the chance of long-term survival.
The most serious complications most often involve the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
Without treatment, the outlook is poor.
Complications may include:
- Heart attack
- Intestinal necrosis and perforation
- Kidney failure
- Stroke
Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chance of a good outcome.
There is no known prevention. However, early treatment can prevent some damage and symptoms.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to collect existing tissue specimens from subjects enrolled in Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC) studies. Analysis of these tissue specimens and linked clinical data collected through VCRC studies may lead to the identification and development of a series of translational research projects. Results of these studies will provide vasculitis researchers with ...
Background: - Vasculitis is a group of diseases that inflame and damage blood vessels and tissue. It can cause many medical problems. Few tests can diagnose the disease, and none can reliably predict a relapse. Researchers want to study people s genes and follow people over time to see how the disease affects them.
Published Date: May 09, 2024
Published By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Luqmani R, Awisat A. Polyarteritis nodosa and related disorders. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 95.
Shanmugam VK. Vasculitis and other uncommon arteriopathies. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 138.
Stone JH. The systemic vasculitides. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 249.