Polyarteritis nodosa and the antiphospholipid syndrome

Clin Rheumatol. 1996 Jul;15(4):410-3. doi: 10.1007/BF02230368.

Abstract

We report a case of biopsy-proven polyarteritis nodosa (classic type in association with the antiphospholipid syndrome. Medium-sized arteriopathy was confirmed on visceral angiography. Elevated anticardiolipin antibodies were detected before initiating therapy with methylprednisolone and IV pulse cyclophosphamide. Rapid subsidence of symptoms correlated with a gradual normalisation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. After 6 months of therapy anticardiolipin antibodies were within normal limits. Only one similar case has been reported so far.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / complications
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / diagnosis*
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methylprednisolone