Polyarteritis.
Last updated Monday, December 27, 2004
SymptomsAnatomy Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a type of vasculitis that affects the
small and medium-sized arteries throughout the body. Any tissues or
organs can be involved, but PAN usually affects the kidneys, skin,
intestines, joints,
and nerves. PAN may vary from person to person; some patients have one
system involved (nerves or skin, for example) and others may have
intestinal or kidney involvement.Symptoms The general symptoms of PAN include fever, muscle aches, muscle weakness, weight loss, and general fatigue.
Other symptoms depend on which organs and tissues are affected. Skin
involvement can cause rashes, bruising, purplish or blue mottled skin
over the lower legs, skin ulcers, and gangrene. Involvement of the
gastrointestinal system can cause severe abdominal pain and even bowel
rupture. If the kidneys are affected, high blood pressure and severe
kidney disease may develop. Sudden pain and tingling in the hands,
arms, feet, or legs can occur if the nerves are affected. Nerve
involvement also can cause muscle weakness, loss of feeling, or even
paralysis of the affected limb. Blockage of vital arteries can cause
strokes or heart attacks.
Some people have a mild form of PAN that causes only a few problems.
Other people have severe, widespread disease that causes serious
problems. Therefore, it is important that PAN be diagnosed early,
because with the proper treatment it usually can be controlled, and
widespread damage to organs can be prevented.
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