Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare and potentially deadly form of vasculitis, a condition in which small to medium-sized blood vessels are abnormally inflamed. PAN causes damage in the body by preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching and nourishing vital tissues and organs.

PAN primarly affects middle-aged adults and rarely occurs in children. The symptoms of PAN may include fever, fatigue, weakness, weight loss and severe muscle and joint pain. It can affect a wide variety of organs, but typically targets the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, kidney and heart.

The cause of PAN is unknown, however, a small percentage of the individuals with the condition are infected with hepatitis B. It is possible that other infections may contribute to other cases of PAN but research has not proved this theory.

There is no single test to diagnose PAN, however, routine laboratory tests can provide information to physicians to help identify the condition. A biopsy of the inflamed tissue is necessary to confirm the vasculitis. In addition, certain criteria have been established by the American College of Rheumatology for the diagnosis of PAN.

Without treatment, PAN can kill various tissues and may result in a heart attack or kidney failure. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are very important to give the patient the best possible chances of survival.

If left untreated, PAN can be fatal. Treatment generally involves medications (corticosteroids and immunosuppressants) to reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels. For certain severe cases, surgery may be needed. The treatment of PAN has improved significantly over the past decade and if the condition is diagnosed early enough, the disease can be controlled and often cured.