Polyarteritis Nodosa
Polyarteritis Nodosa is an autoimmune disease that attacks and inflames the blood vessels. Also known as PAN, this is a particular form of the autoimmune disease Vasculitis—a group of diseases that are characterized by the constriction and inflammation of the blood vessels. Though the cause is unknown, Polyarteritis Nodosa is more common with those suffering from Hepatitis B infections. Men between the ages of forty and fifty are three times more likely to develop the disease than women. Polyarteritis Nodosa impairs the blood flow all over the body and because of that it can affect any number of organs or combination of organs. If left untreated, Polyarteritis Nodosa can result in permanent damage such as blindness, loss of pulse points, and pulmonary failure.
Symptoms of Polyarteritis Nodosa
Symptoms of Polyarteritis Nodosa include loss of blood flow to organs, fatigue, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, achy muscles and joints, and skin rashes or ulcers. If the nervous system is affected by the lack of blood flow, it can cause strokes, seizures, pain, numbness, and burning sensations. If the heart is affected, Polyarteritis Nodosa can cause heart attacks or heart failure.
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