Polyarteritis Nodosa

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is necrotizing vasculitis of medium-sized muscular arteries without glomerulonephritis or small-vessel involvement. Clinical: fever, weight loss, skin nodules/livedo, mononeuritis multiplex, abdominal pain, renal hypertension, testicular pain, cardiac involvement. Associated with HBV, HCV, hairy cell leukemia. Diagnosis: biopsy (medium artery), angiography (microaneurysms), ANCA usually negative. Treatment: glucocorticoids (prednisone 1 mg/kg/day); cyclophosphamide (oral/IV pulse) for severe; azathioprine/methotrexate for maintenance; plasma exchange + antivirals for HBV-associated PAN; supportive care (BP control, renal/cardiac monitoring); follow-up rheumatology/nephrology/neurology.

Common Symptoms

Fever; weight loss; livedo/nodules; mononeuritis multiplex; abdominal pain; hypertension

Causes and Pathogenesis

Immune-complex necrotizing inflammation of medium arteries (HBV/HCV association).

Treatment

Glucocorticoids; cyclophosphamide; azathioprine; antivirals for HBV; supportive

Preventive Measures

Treat HBV/HCV; early diagnosis; monitor organs.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Rheumatology/Nephrology/Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.