What is Polyarteritis Nodosa or Periarteritis Nodosa? Know its Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis

What Is Polyarteritis Nodosa Or Periarteritis Nodosa?

Polyarteritis Nodosa which is also known by the name of Periarteritis Nodosa, Kussmaul Disease or Kussmaul-Maier Disease is a pathological condition in which the medium and small sized arteries in the body become swollen and are significantly damaged when attacked by immune cells.

What is Polyarteritis Nodosa

What Are The Causes Of Polyarteritis Nodosa Or Periarteritis Nodosa?

The function of the arteries is to carry oxygenated blood to various parts of the body. The exact cause of Polyarteritis Nodosa or Periarteritis Nodosa is unknown, but it is said to occur when the immune cells attack the arteries causing significant damage to them. This disease is more common in adults rather than children. Due to damaged arteries there is impairment of adequate flow of oxygen to the body parts. This disease is known to occur more in people suffering with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

What Are The Symptoms Of Polyarteritis Nodosa?

Symptoms of Polyarteritis Nodosa or Periarteritis Nodosa Include:

How Is Polyarteritis Nodosa or Periarteritis Nodosa Diagnosed?

To diagnose Polyarteritis Nodosa or or Periarteritis Nodosa, the treating physician will conduct a physical examination and order certain tests which are as follows:

  • Arteriogram
  • CBC
  • Creatinine levels
  • Screening for hepatitis B and C
  • Urinalysis
  • ESR
  • CRP
  • Tissue biopsies.

What Are The Treatments For Polyarteritis Nodosa or Periarteritis Nodosa?

The main method for treating Polyarteritis Nodosa is to treat it with medications which suppress the immune system of the body so that immune cells are not able to attack the arteries. Some of the medications are prednisone, azathioprine, methotrexate etc. In acute cases of Polyarteritis Nodosa, cyclophosphamide is also used. In case if hepatitis is involved in development of Polyarteritis Nodosa then it may be treated with plasmapheresis and antiviral medications.

Prognosis Of Polyarteritis Nodosa or Periarteritis Nodosa

Prognosis is significantly improved when an individual is treated with steroids or medications to suppress the immune system. Some of the potential serious complications of Polyarteritis Nodosa are:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:June 11, 2021

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