All::Rheumatology::Diseases::Polyarteritis nodosa
Intro
What is Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)?
PAN is a vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries, characterized by necrotizing inflammation leading to aneurysm formation.
Who is more commonly affected by PAN, and what is it associated with?
PAN is more common in middle-aged men and is associated with hepatitis B infection.
What are the clinical features of PAN?
Fever, malaise, arthralgia, weight loss, hypertension, mononeuritis multiplex, sensorimotor polyneuropathy, testicular pain, livedo reticularis, haematuria, renal failure.
What antibodies are found in around 20% of patients with 'classic' PAN?
Perinuclear-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA).
What percentage of PAN patients have positive hepatitis B serology?
30% of patients with PAN have positive hepatitis B serology.