Classification criteria for polyarteritis nodosa

  Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a non-granulomatous vasculitis characterized by segmental inflammation and necrosis of small and medium-sized arteries, and is associated with HBV infection.  The disease is prone to aneurysm formation, with the heart being one of the main organs involved, mostly manifesting as coronary artery stenosis, occlusion and aneurysmal dilatation. Pericardial effusion (or even pericardial tamponade), coronary artery entrapment, conduction block, pseudomucinous aneurysm, and in severe cases, cardiac rupture have also been reported. Clinical manifestations may include myocardial infarction, heart failure, which can be recurrent, and even sudden death. Treatment options include hormones combined with immunosuppressive agents, and plasma exchange is available.  The 1990 ACR classification criteria for polyarteritis nodosa: 1. Weight loss ≥ 4 kg (post-onset presentation).  2, Reticular bruising (extremities and drive trunk).  3, testicular pain and/or pressure (not due to infection, trauma or other causes)  4, Myalgia, weakness or pressure pain in the lower extremities.  5.Polyneuritis mononeuritis or polyneuritis.  6.Diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg. 7.Blood urea nitrogen >40mg/dl or creatinine >1.5mg/dl (non-pre-renal factors).  8, Positive serum HBV marker (HBs antigen or antibody).  9.Aneurysm or vascular occlusion seen on arteriogram (except arteriosclerosis, other non-inflammatory lesions such as fibrinous abnormal formation).  10, Small and medium-sized artery wall biopsy shows inflammatory cell infiltration including neutrophils.  Nodular polyarteritis can be considered if at least 3 of the above 10 are positive. The sensitivity was 82.2% and the specificity was 86.6%.