POLYARTERITIS NODOSA (PAN)

SUMMARY

1. PAN affects medium-sized arteries and is strongly associated with hepatitis B.

2. Results in inflammation in the walls of arteries (but not capillaries or veins) with aneurysm subsequent formation.

3. Inflammation in PAN is not granulomatous; there is accumulation of neutrophils & mononuclear cells with fibrinoid necrosis.

4. PAN commonly affects arteries that supply skin, peripheral nerves, GI tract, and kidney, but spares the lungs.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].