POLYARTERITIS NODOSA ? A SHORT REVIEW

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease resulting from blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), causing damage to organ systems and featuring an extended range of possible symptoms. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), also known as Kussmaul disease or Kussmaul-Maier disease, is a vasculitis of the medium and/or small arteries that become swollen and damaged as a result of the attack by rogue immune cells, and the condition may be associated with various atypical presentations. The annual incidence of PAN varies between five and nine cases per million. Men are generally more affected than women in a 2:1 ratio, most frequently between the ages of 40 and 60 years. PAN is more common in people with hepatitis B infection. PAN may affect multiple organs, including skin, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, as well as the peripheral and central nervous systems. The inflammatory process causes necrosis of cells and structural components of the artery with aneurysms or stenosis formations. PAN often can culminate in necrosis or hemorrhage of the affected organ.