Polyarteritis Nodosa

"Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare multi-system disease that results from inflammation, weakening, and damage of the blood vessels causing injury to organ systems. The most commonly affected areas include the nerves, intestinal tract, heart, and joints. The exact cause of the disorder is not known; it may be associated with hepatitis B, drug abuse, or unidentified bacterial or viral infections. Due to multi-system involvement, the condition presents a wide range of symptoms such as pain in the muscles or joints, skin sores, abdominal pain, blood in the stools, shortness of breath, abnormal sensations, numbness, or loss of strength, and high blood pressure. Treatment involves corticosteroids such as Prednisolone combined with immunosuppressive medications such as Cyclophosphamide.

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