ISSN:
1435-5922
Keywords:
Key words: aneurysm
;
angiography
;
cyclophosphamide
;
polyarteritis nodosa
;
vasculitis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract: Polyarteritis nodosa is a necrotizing angitis that predominantly affects small and medium-sized arteries. The prognosis of untreated polyarteritis nodosa is very poor. Since symptoms are diverse and no serologic test is specific for polyarteritis nodosa, the diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. We describe a patient with polyarteritis nodosa who had gastrointestinal involvement with multiple aneurysms of the inferior mesenteric artery; only abdominal angiography provided a conclusive diagnosis. Alleviation of symptoms and regression of aneurysms were observed after combination therapy of an immunosuppressive agent, cyclophosphamide, and prednisolone. We emphasize the importance of early diagnosis by angiography and aggressive therapy in patients in whom physical signs indicating definite polyarteritis nodosa are not present.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s005350050323
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