Definition: Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by spontaneous inflammation of the arteries (arteritis) of the body. Because medium sized arteries are involved, the disease can affect any organ of the body. The most common areas of involvement include the muscles, joints, intestines, nerves, kidneys, and skin. In 1866, Kussmaul and Maier described the case of a 27-year old journeyman tailor who was ill with fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain, as well as polyneuropathy. Within several weeks of onset the patient's condition led to paralysis and death. At autopsy, nodular swellings were found along the course of muscular arteries, and that was the inspiration for the name of this condition.
Pronunciation: polly-artter-itis no-dosa
Also Known As: PAN
Common Misspellings: polyarthritis nodosa, polyarteritis nordosa
Examples:
One of the vasculitides is known as polyarteritis nodosa.
