What is Polyarteritis Nodosa?
Basically, polyarteritis nodosa is a form of arthritis that affects the arteries in the legs. This is an extremely common condition and it can be cured with the right treatment. However, there are some complications that you should be aware of.
Symptoms
Symptoms of polyarteritis nodosa are not always clear, but some of the most common include fever, joint and muscle pain, numbness and tingling, skin ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. This condition affects the blood vessels in almost every part of the body and can be serious. It can also lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, and neurological problems.
Polyarteritis nodosa is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the arteries. These arteries transport blood from the heart to different parts of the body. When the arteries are damaged, the blood flow is reduced, which can lead to problems such as congestive heart failure and hypertension.
The main treatment for polyarteritis nodosa involves suppressing the immune system. This is done through medication like azathioprine and methotrexate. The medications may also help protect the blood vessels from damage. For people with moderate disease, corticosteroids can be used. For patients with severe disease, a combination of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids may improve the outcome.
Aside from the heart and blood vessels, other organs that are affected by polyarteritis nodosa include the kidney, spleen, liver, brain, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. In most cases, the gastrointestinal tract is affected first, followed by the kidneys and heart. In some cases, the genital organs are involved.
A medical history and physical examination will be conducted to rule out other diseases that may cause the same symptoms. Some other conditions, such as viral infection, can be mistaken for polyarteritis nodosa. For example, hairy cell leukemia, tricho leukemia, and hepatitis B and C have all been associated with this condition.
Laboratory tests will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. This includes a urinalysis, which will look for organ involvement. An angiography or magnetic resonance angiography will also be performed, which will show changes in the blood vessels. These tests can pinpoint areas of arterial damage and aneurysms. The results of the test can be interpreted by the doctor to determine the best treatment for the patient.
People who are diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa should consult a doctor right away. Without treatment, the chances of developing complications are high. In some cases, patients can experience seizures, a perforated bowel, and other neurological problems.
Diagnosis
During the diagnosis of Polyarteritis Nodosa, blood tests are taken to look for inflammation. White blood cells and platelets can be elevated, while red blood cells and blood sedimentation rates can be normal. If the tests reveal inflammation, it is usually because of a medical condition.
Symptoms of polyarteritis nodosa include fever, fatigue, muscle, and joint pain, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may be less noticeable, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, polyarteritis nodosa can cause kidney damage, and nerve damage, as well. The kidneys are the most common organ affected.
When the arteries are damaged, they cannot carry blood to the organs. This causes the organs to stop working. In a few cases, the brain or heart can also be affected.
The immune system plays a vital role in polyarteritis nodosa, as it causes tissue inflammation. Blood test results will show signs of inflammation, and urine testing may show protein and red blood cells in the urine. In rare cases, a biopsy of affected tissues may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The affected tissues can include muscle, nerves, and skin.
The most common organs affected by polyarteritis nodosa are the kidneys and pancreas. In the latter case, the liver, spleen, and intestines are often involved. However, any organ can be affected.
The cause of polyarteritis nodosa is not fully understood. Some researchers believe that it is the result of exposure to the Hepatitis B or C virus, while others have argued that it is a genetic disease. Regardless of the etiology, patients with polyarteritis nodosa need ongoing treatment. Without treatment, the condition is usually fatal.
In cases of moderate or severe disease, corticosteroids, along with methotrexate, may be used to treat the underlying condition. In cases of the milder disease, a short course of corticosteroids may be all that is needed. In cases of severe polyarteritis nodosa, cyclophosphamide plus corticosteroids are often given.
The early diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa helps improve the survival rate of those suffering from the condition. Depending on the severity of the disease, high-dose corticosteroid medications, and immunosuppressive drugs can be used.
Treatment
During the first four months after infection, most patients with hepatitis B develop polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Treatment for hepatitis B includes cytotoxic immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and rituximab. Some patients are also treated with corticosteroids. In other patients, antiviral therapy may be used.
Although polyarteritis nodosa can affect many organs, the kidneys are the most common. When the blood vessels are inflamed, they cannot deliver enough blood to the organs. This leads to damage to the tissue. The immune system responds by attacking the damaged vessels. The goal of polyarteritis nodosa treatment is to prevent further organ damage.
The disease usually occurs in adults and is more common in men than in women. It can be a fatal disease if left untreated. If diagnosed early, treatment can be effective. However, the risk of death is higher in individuals over 65. Approximately 20% of people who have polyarteritis nodosa die within five years of their diagnosis.
In addition to affecting the liver, the disease can cause other organs to be infected. Hepatic infarction, cholecystitis, and other serious complications can occur. Polyarteritis nodosa is sometimes associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other viruses. Symptoms can include fever, pain, numbness, bowel swelling, and weight loss.
A physical examination is performed to find areas of involvement and determine which organs are infected. The diagnosis is confirmed by arteriography, which measures the arteries. Magnetic resonance angiography can also be performed to examine microaneurysms.
The blood vessels in the body are the organs that transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The walls of the arteries are very important in regulating the flow of blood. The tunica media in the vessel wall is made up of smooth muscle fibers that help the blood flow. They are also very important in maintaining blood pressure. If polyarteritis nodosa affects the arteries, they can swell and block blood flow. This can cause damage to the brain, lungs, and other organs. In addition, the nerves can cause strokes.
In rare cases, polyarteritis nodosa may occur in the skin. The disease can cause ulcers in up to 30% of patients. Occasionally, it can result in arthritis.
Complications
Among the complications of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is thrombosis of the involved arteries, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. These complications can be life-threatening if left untreated. However, if the symptoms of polyarteritis nodosa are detected early, a treatment plan is possible. The treatment is based on the severity of the disease. Depending on the condition, surgery may be required.
A physical examination is often used to detect the presence of PAN. The patient is then treated with a short course of corticosteroids. A liver biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. If the disease is severe, a combination of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids may be prescribed. If the disease is moderate, azathioprine and methotrexate may be used.
Angiography is sometimes used to determine the extent of the disease. A CT scan or magnetic resonance angiography may be used to identify the locations of the lesions. A biopsy of the kidney or liver is also necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
The immune system plays a role in the development of polyarteritis nodosa. When the immune system attacks the body, it damages tissues and causes inflammation. In the case of polyarteritis nodosa, the immune system causes an attack on the blood vessels. In this way, the affected arteries can no longer transport blood to the tissues. In some cases, the heart and brain may also be affected.
In some cases, the lungs are spared from the disease. The most common organs affected by PAN are the kidneys, esophagus, and skin. Occasionally, other organs such as the stomach, biliary tract, and tongue are affected.
Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary for patients with gastrointestinal involvement. Typical symptoms of polyarteritis nodosa include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The use of corticosteroids is often used to treat polyarteritis nodosa. In addition, a low-salt diet may be necessary to help control hypertension. Surgical treatment is often necessary to resolve the underlying cause of the disorder.
The prognosis of patients with polyarteritis nodosa is poor. The overall survival rate is about one-third of the patients who are diagnosed with the disease.
Health Sources:
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
