Arthritis Q&A by Dr. Shiel

Answer:

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.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of many tissues of the body, including the skin, joints, lungs, heart, nervous system, and kidneys. SLE may or may not cause vasculitis.

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