Polyarteritis nodosa

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Circulatory system

Microscopic polyarteritis 2

Polyarteritis, microscopic on the shin

Periarteritis nodosa

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Muscle aches
• Joint aches

There are no specific lab tests for diagnosing polyarteritis nodosa. Diagnosis is generally based upon the physical examination and a few laboratory studies that help to confirm the diagnosis:

• CBC may show a higher-than-normal white blood count .
• ESR is often higher than normal.
• Tissue biopsy reveals inflammation in small arteries, called arteritis.
• Immunoglobulins may be increased.

Review Date: 08/22/2006
Reviewed By: Lisa Christopher-Stine, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University,Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.