Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa--is it really benign?.

Eran Shavit, Amir Horev, Eitan Berman, Sima Halevy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a multi-system disease, characterized by necrotizing vasculitis of medium-sized arteries that may affect any organ system. Cutaneous PAN is the cutaneous limited form of PAN. It affects 10% of all cases of PAN and usually demonstrates a benign and chronic course. We hereby describe a 47-year-old female with diabetes mellitus who presented with painful ulcers on both legs. The clinical and histological findings were consistent with PAN. A thorough investigation ruled out systemic PAN and cutaneous PAN was determined. Despite intensive therapies including corticosteroids and azathioprine, marked progression of the ulcers was noted and large areas of necrosis appeared. The patient underwent above-knee amputation of both legs and eventually died in less than three years. Although cutaneous PAN is known to have a benign and chronic course, we have presented an unusual progressive and severe course that resulted in the death of the patient.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)558-561, 606
JournalHarefuah
Volume151
Issue number10
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa--is it really benign?.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this