Polyarteritis Nodosa
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
I have been diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). How does PAN differ from lupus?
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
Polyarteritis nodosa is a type of inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) that affects medium- and large-sized arteries. Depending on which blood vessels are involved and specifically the tissues they supply, injury can occur to internal organs, such as the kidneys or bowel.
What is polyarteritis nodosa?
Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare autoimmune disease (immune
system attacking its own body) featuring spontaneous
inflammation of the arteries (arteritis). Because arteries are
involved, the disease can affect any organ of the body. The most common areas
of involvement include the muscles, joints, intestines (bowels),
nerves, kidneys, and skin. Poor function or pain in any of these organs can
be a symptom. Poor blood supply to the bowels can cause abdominal pain, local bowel death, and bleeding. Fatigue, weight loss, and fever are common.
Polyarteritis nodosa is most common in
middle-age people. Its cause is unknown, but it has been reported after
hepatitis B infection. Polyarteritis is not felt to be an inherited condition.
Next: How is polyarteritis nodosa diagnosed? »
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