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Polyarteritis nodosa - Symptom

Alternative Names

Periarteritis nodosa

Symptoms:

Signs and tests:

There are no specific lab tests for diagnosing polyarteritis nodosa. Diagnosis is based on the physical examination and a few laboratory studies that help to confirm the diagnosis:

CBC may show a higher-than-normal white blood count.
ESR or CRP is often higher than normal.
Tissue biopsy reveals inflammation in small arteries, called arteritis.
Immunoglobulins may be increased.

Polyarteritis, microscopic on the shin

Microscopic polyarteritis 2

Circulatory system

Reviewed last on: 7/24/2008
Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Sergent JS. Polyarteritis and Related Disorders. In: Harris ED Jr., Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 84.

Stone JH. The Systemic Vasculitides. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 291.

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