An inflammatory condition of blood vessels called vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa is a type of vasculitis. The inflammation primarily affects the arteries in PAN, resulting in impaired blood flow and organ and tissue damage. It is unknown what causes PAN, but it is thought to be caused by an abnormal immune response, possibly triggered by a genetic or environmental cause.
However, it is believed that polyarteritis nodosa is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. By triggering an abnormal immune response against the body's own blood vessels, certain factors, such as infections, medications, or other autoimmune diseases, may contribute to the development of PAN.
Polyarteritis nodosa may cause the following symptoms:
A common symptom of PAN is fatigue or weakness.
Inflammation of blood vessels can cause aches and pains in muscles and joints.
In PAN patients, skin lesions may appear on the legs or other areas with affected blood vessels, such as nodules or ulcers.
Inflammation of the arteries supplying the abdominal organs can cause abdominal pain, which is often described as crampy or severe.
There are some cases where PAN affects the nerves, causing symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and changes in sensation.
Medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies are typically used to diagnose polyarteritis nodosa. Common diagnostic tests include:
Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may be detected through blood tests.
To confirm the diagnosis of PAN, a tissue biopsy may be performed to examine the blood vessels under a microscope.
The extent of inflammation or damage to the blood vessels can be assessed by imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
The goal of treatment for polyarteritis nodosa is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:
PAN patients often receive oral or intravenous corticosteroids to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide or methotrexate, may also be prescribed to prevent disease progression.
In some cases, plasmapheresis can help control symptoms and reduce inflammation by removing harmful antibodies from the blood.
It is unknown what causes polyarteritis nodosa, so no specific preventative measures are available. PAN may be reduced in susceptible individuals if they avoid known risk factors such as infections or medications. It is crucial to detect polyarteritis nodosa early and treat it promptly to minimize its impact on overall health and quality of life.
