Polyarteritis nodosa is a type of blood vessel inflammation which often affets the nerves, intestinal tract, heart, joint and kidneys. Symptoms of polyarteritis nodosa vary depending on which organs affected are affected. Generallly symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and unintended weight loss. If the intestines are affected, you may have abdominal pain and blood in stools. If the heart is affected, you may have shortness of breath and chest pain. If the kidneys are affected, you may develop high blood pressure. If nerves are affected, you will have abnormal sensation, numbness or loss of strength in related muscles. Any combination of these above mentioned symptoms are possible. Diagnosis involves collecting information suggesting presence of polyarteritis nodosa, excluding other conditions that have similar appearance and blood tests, urine test, and imaging tests. The diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa can be confirmed by arteriogram or biopsy. The key to treatment of polyarteritis nodosa is suppressing the immune system. Drug include corticosteroid such as prednisone or prednisolone combined with another immunosuppressive medication such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
How is Polyarteritis nodosa treated in practice?