Polyarteritis Nodosa
Original Editors - Josh Bixler from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
Polyarteritis nodosa is a serious ideopathic disease that commonly affects both small and medium-sized arteries. It falls under the category of primary systemic vasculitis, and with the inflammatory nature of the disease, arteries become swollen and blood flow is diminished.[1] As the outer and middle layers of the artery swell, blood clots can form and potentially damage various organs and tissues in the body. The inflammation typically manifests where the arteries branch and ultimately the affected vessel tissues become necrotic.[2][3]
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease that seems to develop during the 6th decade of one’s life. While it affects adults more so than children, it can present at any age. [2]
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation
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Polyarteritis nodosa is clinically similiar to many diseases such as hepatitis B and C infections, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Kawaski's disease, hypersensitivity angitis, as well as Cogan's syndrome.[1] The speed at which the disease affects an individual often varies. Within months, it may initially present with mild symptoms that rapidly progress to fatal symptoms, or it can develop into a chronic state that incapacitates the individual.[2] With the exception of the lungs, polyarteritis nodosa has the ability to affect many organs and organ systems at the same time by damaging the arteries that supply blood flow. The heart, intestines, liver, and kidney arteries are prevalently damaged.[1] Listed below are some of the most common symptoms associated with this disease, affecting the skin, joints, brain, nerves, heart, digestive tract, liver, and kidneys:
* Rashes with raised patches along arteries, dicoloration of fingers or toes, blotches that appear purple[2][1]
* Joint pain and inflammation, muscle aches and pain[2][3]
* Fever, headaches, strokes, seizures[2][3]
* Weakness, numbness, tingling, or hand or foot paralysis[2]
* Angina and myocardial infarctions[2]
* Peritonitis (infection of the abdomen), nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and intestinal tears[2]
* Liver damage and failure[2][3]
* Hypertension, edema, decreased output of urine, urine with high levels of protein[2][1]
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: polyarteritis nodosa. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002410 (accessed 22 Feb 2011).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Merck Manual Home Edition. Vasculitic disorders: polyarteritis nodosa. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec05/ch069/ch069b.html (accessed 22 Feb 2011).
- ↑ Cedars-Sinai: polyarteritis nodosa. http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Polyarteritis-Nodosa.aspx (accessed 22 Feb 2011).
