Polyarteritis Nodosa
Evidence: Unconfirmed
Names
PAN
Classic polyarteritis nodosa
c-PAN
Periarteritis nodosa
Periarteritis
Polyarteritis nodosa
Polyarteritis
Description
Polyarteritis nodosa is an autoimmune disease that causes damage, weakness, and swelling to arteries. Small and medium-sized arteritis are affected by this disease. The autoimmune response that causes PAN is commonly triggered by drugs, vaccines, and both viral and bacterial infections. PAN is a multisystem disorder, so any organ in the body can be affected. Typically, the skin, heart, peripheral nervous system, kidneys, joints, eyes, and gastrointestinal system are affected. Common symptoms include feelings of malaise, pain, and skin irritation. There is no cure for PAN, but there are treatments to help with symptoms and disease progression. Outcomes vary depending on symptoms and disease severity, and relapses are possible. If left untreated, some complications may be fatal.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
Facebook Group: Men and Women Living with Polyarteritis Nodosa - PAN
Prevalence
US Cases: 500 [Hernández-Rodríguez 2014]. 1.6 cases per 1,000,000 people.
Typical Age of onset
Between 50 and 70 years of age
Source: Hernández-Rodríguez 2014
Symptoms
Fever
Weight loss
Fatigue
Damage to nerves
Night sweats
Skin rashes or sores
Bumps on the skin
Abnormally cold fingers and toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
Decreased appetite
Generalized weakness
Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
Blood clots (thrombosis)
Decreased blood supply to tissues
Tissue loss or death (necrosis)
Pain in the joints, muscles, testicles, and abdomen
Neuropathy
Vision loss
Nausea and vomiting
