Types of Peripheral Neuropathy - Inflammatory

Idiopathic | Pre-diabetic/Diabetic | Hereditary | Toxic/Secondary to Drugs | Inflammatory | Systemic/Metabolic |
Compression | Other Types of PN

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a type of vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). It occurs when the small and medium-sized arteries in your body become inflamed. This inflammation damages the walls of these arteries and reduces their ability to carry blood to nearby tissues and organs. Without the blood they require, the tissues and organs become injured and may cease to function properly. Polyarteritis nodosa may occur in many regions of the body, but most commonly affects the tissues associated with the peripheral nerves, kidneys and abdominal organs. It is also can affect the skin, heart, joints, muscles, eyes and reproductive organs.

While people of all ages may get polyarteritis nodosa, it is most common in people over 40 years old. There is some evidence that it may affect men more than women. It has been linked to hepatitis B and hepatitis C, but the exact cause of polyarteritis nodosa remains unknown.

When polyarteritis nodosa is diagnosed early and properly treated, it may be possible to recover completely.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)

Polyarteritis nodosa symptoms may develop gradually over weeks or months. At the onset, there may be general systemic symptoms such as fever, sweating, weight loss, weakness, malaise, or abdominal pain. As the disease progresses, the symptoms may be related to the affected organs.

Nervous system:

• Decreased alertness
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Muscle pain, numbness or tingling
• Tingling, numbness and pain in feet, legs, hands and arms
• Seizures
• Slurred speech

Kidneys:

• Fluid retention
• Hypertension
• Kidney failure

Skin:

• Hives
• Nodules
• Rashes
• Purpura (purple spots under the skin, produced by small bleeding blood vessels close to the skin)

Heart:

• Chest pain
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Shortness of breath

Reproductive organs:

• Pain in pelvis
• Pain in testicles

There may be other symptoms depending upon the organs affected.

EVALUATION AND TESTS

(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.)

• Neurological exam
• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction velocity test
• Blood tests
• Urine test
• Biopsy
• Angiogram (to assess how polyarteritis nodosa has affected the heart)

TREATMENT AND THERAPY

(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.)

• Corticosteroids
• Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation