Regressing microaneurysms in 5 cases of hepatitis B virus related polyarteritis nodosa
Darras-Joly, C.; Lortholary, O.; Cohen, P.; Brauner, M.; Guillevin, L.
Journal of Rheumatology 22(5): 876-880
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 8587075 Document Number: 448468
Objective. To investigate the angiographic evidence of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Methods. We reviewed retrospectively the medical files of 5 patients who had therapy for PAN. Results. Each patient showed dramatic regression or disappearance of the aneurysms and stenoses; this reflected the clinical course and remission obtained with treatment, but not the disappearance of HBV. When a patient was considered clinically cured, i.e., no signs of vasculitis for 18 mo after discontinuation of treatment, microaneurysms had disappeared on angiography. Conclusion. From our experience and that reported by others, when clinical remission is achieved, arteriography is usually unnecessary because microaneurysms have disappeared or significantly regressed.