Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Catherine Burt Driver, MD
Catherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group.
- Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) facts
- What is polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)?
- What are causes and risk factors for polyarteritis nodosa?
- What are symptoms and signs of polyarteritis nodosa?
- How is polyarteritis nodosa diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for polyarteritis nodosa?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) of polyarteritis nodosa?
- Can polyarteritis nodosa be prevented?
- Find a local Rheumatologist in your town
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) facts
- Polyarteritis nodosa is an autoimmune disease that affects arteries.
- Common areas affected include the muscles, joints, intestines (bowels), nerves, kidneys, and skin.
- Diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa is confirmed by a biopsy of involved tissue or angiography.
- Treatment is directed toward decreasing the inflammation of the arteries.
What is polyarteritis nodosa?
Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare autoimmune disease featuring spontaneous inflammation of the arteries (arteritis, a form of blood vessel inflammation or "vasculitis"). Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an overactive, misdirected immune system that attacks one's own body. Because arteries are involved, the disease can affect any organ of the body. The most common areas of involvement include the muscles, joints, intestines (bowels), nerves, kidneys, and skin. Poor function or pain in any of these organs can be a symptom. Poor blood supply to the bowels can cause abdominal pain, local bowel death, and bleeding. Fatigue, weight loss, and fever are common. Polyarteritis nodosa is often abbreviated PAN.
What are causes and risk factors for polyarteritis nodosa?
Polyarteritis nodosa is most common in middle-age people. Its cause is unknown, but it has been reported after hepatitis B infection. Polyarteritis is not felt to be an inherited condition.
http://www.medicinenet.com/polyarteritis_nodosa/article.htm
Arthritis
Get the latest treatment options
Updated & New
