Definition:
Periarteritis nodosa is also popularly called Polyarteritis nodosa. This is condition of a vasculitis of the medium-sized arteries. The arteries become swollen and eventually damaged due to attacks by the rogue immune cells. Another term for this condition is Kussmaul disease or the broader term Kussmaul-Meier disease.
Diagnosis:
As of present time diagnosis for Periarteritis nodosa has not been specified. Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination accompanied with some few laboratory studies which could help confirm accurate diagnosis. CBC is done to demonstrate elevation of white blood cells. Other tests include ESR, tests to check perinuclear pattern of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, tissue biopsy, and tests to check elevation of c reactive protein.
Treatment:
Treatment for Periarteritis nodosa involves administration of medications aimed at suppressing the patients' immune system. The medication will include prednisone as well as cyclophosphamide. Potassium citrate was also found to effectively prevent lesions of the arteries.
Symptoms and Signs:
In Periarteritis nodosa, symptoms usually result from the damage of the affected organs. in most cases, the affected organs are the skin, nervous system, heart, and the kidneys. Symptoms generally include weakness, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and loss of weight. Patients will also likely to suffer from muscle and joint aches. Skin lumps, rashes, swelling, and ulcers are also evident. Affected nerve will also cause some changes in the sensory including weakness, numbness, pain, and burning sensation. In cases when the central nervous system is already involved, patients will suffer from either strokes or even seizures. Renal failure in varrying degrees may also be experienced when the affected organ is the Kidney. Patients will also suffer heart attacks, pericarditis or the inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, and heart failure.
Causes:
The cause of Polyarteritis nodosa is unknown. Although one hypothesis beleives that it is caused by the antibodies actions against the Hepatitis B Virus.
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