Polyarteritis nodosa
Polyarteritis nodosa (pronunciation: pol-ee-ar-ter-i-tis no-doh-suh) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of small and medium-sized arteries (blood vessels) in the body. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek words poly meaning many, arteria referring to arteries, and nodosa meaning nodular or knotty, referring to the appearance of the affected arteries.
Definition
Polyarteritis nodosa is a serious blood vessel disease. Small and medium-sized arteries become inflamed and damaged. This can occur in any organ, but it is most common in the skin, kidneys, nerves, and gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
Symptoms of polyarteritis nodosa can vary greatly from person to person, depending on which organs are affected. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, fever, muscle and joint aches, and a rash that appears as red or purple spots or bumps on the skin. More severe symptoms can include nerve damage, kidney failure, and gastrointestinal complications such as abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.
Causes
The exact cause of polyarteritis nodosa is unknown. It is classified as an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. Some researchers believe that it may be triggered by an infection or a reaction to certain medications.
Treatment
Treatment for polyarteritis nodosa typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These may include corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair or bypass damaged blood vessels.
Related Terms
- Vasculitis: A general term for a group of diseases that involve inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues.
- Corticosteroids: A type of medication used to reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive drugs: Medications that suppress the immune system, used to treat autoimmune diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polyarteritis nodosa
- Wikipedia's article - Polyarteritis nodosa
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