Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)

 

Overview

A systemic blood vessel disease characterized by inflammation of small and medium-sized arteries which prevents their transport of oxygen and food to organs.

Common Symptoms

Fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal, joint, muscle, and/ or chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and malaise. Ulcers and skin sores are also symptoms, along with polyneuropathy, palpable nodules along medium-sized arteries, high blood pressure, kidney function damage, and blood in stool.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Microaneurysm formation, aneurysmal rupture with hemorrhage, thrombosis, organ ischemia, organ infarction, and polyneuropathy.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Increased incidence of PAN has been observed following hepatitis B infection.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Polyarteritis Nodosa. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center. Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org/types-vasculitis/polyarteritis-nodosa/

    2. Polyarteritis Nodosa: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology. (2021). https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/330717-overview

    3. Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN): Symptoms, Treatment & Outcomes. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13284-polyarteritis-nodosa