Polyarteritis NodosaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Polyarteritis Nodosa
Polyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.
Periarteritis nodosa; PAN; Systemic necrotizing vasculitis
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues. The cause of polyarteritis nodosa is unknown. The condition occurs when certain immune cells attack the affected arteries. The tissues that are fed by the affected arteries do not get the oxygen and nourishment they need. Damage occurs as a result.
More adults than children get this disease.
People with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C may develop this disease.
Symptoms are caused by damage to affected organs. The skin, joints, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidneys, and nervous system are often affected.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint aches
- Muscle aches
- Unintentional weight loss
- Weakness
- Testicular swelling and pain
If nerves are affected, you may have numbness, pain, burning, and weakness. Damage to the nervous system may cause strokes or seizures.
Treatment involves medicines to suppress inflammation and the immune system. These may include steroids, such as prednisone. Similar medicines, such as azathioprine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate that allow for reducing the dose of steroids are often used as well. Cyclophosphamide is used in severe cases.
For polyarteritis nodosa related to hepatitis, treatment may involve plasmapheresis and antiviral medicines.
Bassett Medical Center
Linett Martirossian is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Cooperstown, New York. Dr. Martirossian is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Polyarteritis Nodosa, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and Rhizomelic Pseudopolyarthritis. Dr. Martirossian is currently accepting new patients.
Penn Rheumatology Perelman
Peter Merkel is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Merkel is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Vasculitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Takayasu Arteritis, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Merkel is board certified in Rheumatology, 1994. Dr. Merkel is currently accepting new patients.
Boston VAMC
Paul Monach is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Monach is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Vasculitis, Takayasu Arteritis, and Microscopic Polyangiitis. Dr. Monach is currently accepting new patients.
Current treatments with steroids and other medicines that suppress the immune system (such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide) can improve symptoms and the chance of long-term survival.
The most serious complications most often involve the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
Without treatment, the outlook is poor.
Complications may include:
- Heart attack
- Intestinal necrosis and perforation
- Kidney failure
- Stroke
- Death
Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chance of a good outcome.
There is no known prevention. However, early treatment can prevent some damage and symptoms.
Background: \- Vasculitis is a group of diseases that inflame and damage blood vessels and tissue. It can cause many medical problems. Few tests can diagnose the disease, and none can reliably predict a relapse. Researchers want to study people's genes and follow people over time to see how the disease affects them.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to learn about the experience of women with vasculitis who become pregnant. In particular, the study will consist of several online surveys to assess 1. each woman's vasculitis severity and pregnancy-related experiences, and 2. pregnancy outcomes.
Published Date: April 25, 2026
Published By: Diane M. Horowitz, MD, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Ayaz NA, Ozen S. Polyarteritis nodosa. In: Firestein GS, McInnes IB, Koretzky GA, Mikuls TR, Neogi T, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 91.
James WD. Cutaneous vascular diseases. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 30.
Stone JH. The systemic vasculitides. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 249.