Updated April 27, 2013.

Definition: Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by spontaneous inflammation of the arteries of the body, referred to as arteritis. Because medium sized arteries are involved, the disease can affect any organ of the body. The most common areas of involvement include the muscles, joints, intestines, nerves, kidneys, and skin.

In 1866, Kussmaul and Maier described the case of a 27-year old journeyman tailor who was ill with fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain, as well as polyneuropathy.

Within several weeks of onset, the patient's condition led to paralysis and death. At autopsy, nodular swellings were found along the course of muscular arteries. That finding led to the name of the condition.

Pronunciation: polly-artter-itis no-dosa

Also Known As: PAN

Common Misspellings: polyarthritis nodosa, polyarteritis nordosa

Examples: One of the vasculitides is known as polyarteritis nodosa.