Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)
Description
Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a rare, serious autoimmune disorder that affects small and medium-sized arteries throughout the body. It causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessel walls, leading to a range of symptoms depending on which organs are affected. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of PAN, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and strategies for thriving with this condition.
Genes Involved
While there is no specific gene associated with PAN, certain genetic factors may influence susceptibility to developing the condition. Research suggests that HLA genes, involved in the immune system, may play a role in PAN development.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
PAN‘s symptoms can vary depending on which organs are affected. Some common signs include:
- Fever: A persistent, unexplained fever is a hallmark symptom of PAN.
- Muscle and joint pain: This may be accompanied by tenderness and stiffness, especially in the legs and arms.
- Skin problems: Skin lesions, such as nodules, ulcers, or purpura (red-purple spots), may appear.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur due to inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Nervous system problems: Headache, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs are possible due to blood vessel damage in the brain and spinal cord.
- Kidney problems: Inflammation of the kidneys can lead to high blood pressure and decreased kidney function.
- Eye problems: Vision changes, double vision, and pain in the eyes can occur due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the eyes.
Causes
The exact cause of PAN is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body‘s immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels. Some potential triggers include:
- Viral infections: Certain viruses, such as hepatitis B and C, have been linked to PAN.
- Medications: Some drugs, including penicillin and interferon-alpha, have been associated with PAN as a side effect.
- Underlying conditions: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease may increase the risk of developing PAN.
Inheritance/recurrence risk
PAN is not an inherited condition. However, certain genetic factors can make individuals more susceptible to developing it. The risk of recurrence after treatment depends on factors such as the severity of the initial disease, adherence to therapy, and the presence of underlying conditions.
