Polyarteritis Nodosa - Information - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment
Polyarteritis Nodosa: What is Polyarteritis Nodosa?
Polyarteritis nodosa is a disease of unknown cause that affects arteries, the blood vessels which carry oxygenated blood to organs and tissues. It occurs when certain immune cells attack the affected arteries. It damages the tissues supplied by the affected arteries because they don't receive enough oxygen and nourishment without a proper blood supply.
Polyarteritis Nodosa - Symptoms & Diagnosis
Polyarteritis nodosa symptoms can include: fatigue, weakness, fever, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, weight loss, muscle and joint aches. There are no specific lab tests for the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa. The diagnosis is generally based upon clinical findings that help to confirm the diagnosis.
Polyarteritis Nodosa - Treatment Options
Polyarteritis Nodosa treatment involves the use of medications to suppress the immune system, including prednisone and cyclophosphamide.
Polyarteritis - Microscopic on the Shin - Photo-Picture
This is a picture of microscopic polyarteritis on the shin. The term polyarteritis means that many blood vessels are inflamed. These nodules are located just below the skin's surface (subcutaneous), are barely felt when pressing on the skin (palpable), and are tender. The skin is typically red (erythematous).
Polyarteritis nodosa - Lower Extremity - Photo-Picture
Polyarteritis nodosa, seen here on a lower extremity, produces painful, erythematous nodules. Arteries in the deep dermis and upper fat show neutrophilic infiltration.
The Circulatory System
Blood used by the body is brought back to the heart and lungs by the veins of the body. Once the blood has gathered more oxygen from the lungs, it is pumped back out to the body through the arteries.
Polyarteritis Nodosa from the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center
This disease was first called “periarteritis nodosa” but changed to "polyarteritis nodosa" (PAN) to underscore the fact that inflammation is throughout the entire arterial wall, not just around the wall.
Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)
Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a serious disease and has a VERY high mortality unless treated, from drdoc.
