Which of the following is true about polyaeritis nodosa?
High-Yield Explanation
This condition is characterized by necrotizing immune complex inflammation of small- and medium-sized aeries. It is marked by the destruction of aerial media and internal elastic lamella, resulting in aneurysmal nodules. There is an association with hepatitis B viral infection in 30% of patients. Clinical manifestations often include fever, weight loss, malaise, abdominal pain, headache, myalgia, and hypeension. Polyaeritis nodosa is seen in the following sites: Kidneys, with immune complex vasculitis in the aerioles and glomeruli; renal lesions, and hypeension cause most deaths from polyaeritis nodosa. Coronary aeries, resulting in ischemic hea disease Musculoskeletal system, resulting in myalgia, ahralgia, or ahritis Gastrointestinal tract, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain Central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system, the eye, or skin