Uncommon features of polyarteritis nodosa: psychosis and angio-oedema.
Psychosis and swelling of the face and hands are rarely observed in adult polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). We describe a 21-year-old woman who presented with fever, livedo reticularis, tender subcutaneous nodules and arthritis. These manifestations did not respond to prednisone, but remitted when the drug was tapered. She had had psychosis since the age of 16 years. During the flares of the disease she presented with facial, periorbital and hand swelling. This finding is rarely observed in adult PAN. Arteriography showed multiple small aneurysms, of the mesenteric vessels consistent with a diagnosis of PAN. Our report discusses the diagnosis of PAN and emphasises the uncommon presentation of this case.
Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
S R
SR
Fernandes
I B
IB
Coimbra
L T
LT
Costallat
J E
JE
Ribeiro Filho
D000328:Adult; D000799:Angioedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis