Overview
Secondary polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a form of blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) that occurs as a result of another underlying condition or trigger, rather than appearing on its own. The most common triggers include infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sometimes other infections or medications. In this disease, medium-sized arteries throughout the body become inflamed and damaged, which can reduce blood flow to important organs including the kidneys, skin, nerves, muscles, and intestines. Symptoms vary widely depending on which organs are affected. Common problems include fever, weight loss, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes or nodules, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, abdominal pain, and high blood pressure. In severe cases, the inflamed arteries can develop small bulges (aneurysms) that may rupture, or they can become blocked, cutting off blood supply to tissues. Treatment focuses on two main goals: controlling the underlying cause (such as treating the hepatitis B infection with antiviral medications) and reducing the inflammation in the blood vessels. Depending on severity, doctors may use corticosteroids like prednisone, immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine, and plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) in certain cases. When the underlying trigger is successfully treated, the vasculitis often improves significantly. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent organ damage.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Fever that comes and goesUnexplained weight lossMuscle aches and weaknessJoint painSkin nodules or purplish spotsNumbness or tingling in hands and feetAbdominal pain, especially after eatingHigh blood pressureKidney problemsFatigue and general feeling of being unwellTesticular pain in menSkin ulcers or livedo reticularis (net-like skin discoloration)Nerve damage causing foot drop or hand weaknessBlood in the urine
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Secondary polyarteritis nodosa.
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Specialists
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Secondary polyarteritis nodosa.
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the underlying cause of my polyarteritis nodosa, and how will it be treated?,Which organs are affected in my case, and how severe is the damage?,What medications will I need, and what are their side effects?,How often will I need blood tests and follow-up visits?,What are the warning signs that I should go to the emergency room?,What is my long-term outlook, and is remission possible?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should consider?
Common questions about Secondary polyarteritis nodosa
What is Secondary polyarteritis nodosa?
Secondary polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a form of blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) that occurs as a result of another underlying condition or trigger, rather than appearing on its own. The most common triggers include infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sometimes other infections or medications. In this disease, medium-sized arteries throughout the body become inflamed and damaged, which can reduce blood flow to important organs including the kidneys, skin, nerves, muscles, and intestines. Symptoms vary widely depending on which organs are affected.
How is Secondary polyarteritis nodosa inherited?
Secondary polyarteritis nodosa follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Secondary polyarteritis nodosa typically begin?
Typical onset of Secondary polyarteritis nodosa is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.