PMID: 8587075May 1, 1995Paper

Regressing microaneurysms in 5 cases of hepatitis B virus related polyarteritis nodosa

The Journal of Rheumatology
C Darras-JolyL Guillevin

Abstract

To investigate the angiographic evidence of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We reviewed retrospectively the medical files of 5 patients who had therapy for PAN. Each patient showed dramatic regression or disappearance of the aneurysms and stenoses; this reflected the clinical course and remission obtained with treatment, but not the disappearance of HBV. When a patient was considered clinically cured, i.e., no signs of vasculitis for 18 mo after discontinuation of treatment, microaneurysms had disappeared on angiography. From our experience and that reported by others, when clinical remission is achieved, arteriography is usually unnecessary because microaneurysms have disappeared or significantly regressed.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Aneurysm

Aneurysms are outward distensions or bulges that occurs in a weakened wall of blood vessels. Discover the latest research on aneurysms here.