Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa: A case report with a brief review of literature

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare vasculitis with multisystem involvement. The definition, diagnostic criteria and validity of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (c-PAN) as a variant of classic PAN limited to skin have continued to remain disputed. We revisit the definition of c-PAN, comment on advances in its treatment and describe one such case, a 26-year-old male, whose affliction consisting of two episodes over a period of 2 years remains restricted - without any constitutional feature and systemic involvement - to skin over legs as multiple, discoloured, tender, subcutaneous-a few ulcerated-nodules healing promptly without scarring in response to oral corticosteroids. The aim of presentation is to emphasize to the non-dermatologists physicians regarding its usual optimistic prognosis.

Keywords

• Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa
• fibrinoid necrosis
• livedo reticularis
• systemic polyarteritis nodosa