Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology

Polyarteritis nodosa Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Polyarteritis nodosa from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiography
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology
CDC on Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology
Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Polyarteritis nodosa
Risk calculators and risk factors for Polyarteritis nodosa pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Ali Poyan Mehr, M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Olufunmilola Olubukola M.D.[3]Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [4]; Haritha Machavarapu, M.B.B.S.

Pathophysiology

Polyarteritis nodosa is a disease of unknown cause that affects arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to organs and tissues. It occurs when certain immune cells attack the affected arteries.Inflammation starts in the vessel intima and results in fibrinoid necrosis by destroying the internal and external elastic lamina. Aneurysms and thrombi may develop at the site of lesions. One hypothesis is that this condition is caused by antibodies against HBV, via a type IIII hypersensitivity reaction. Hepatitis C associated polyarteritis nodosa is the most common type among the hepatitis C associated vasculitis and has a severe clinical presentation.