Four Cases of Polyarteritis Nodosa Presenting Initially as Pain and Pitting Edema in Both Lower Extremities

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) has a broad spectrum of clinical presentation, since it affects small and medium-sized muscular arteries with microaneurysm formation, aneurysmal rupture with hemorrhage, thrombosis, and, consequently, organ ischemia or infarction. Although skeletal muscle involvement is well documented in patients with PAN, it can mimic more common diseases, and cause confusion and delays in diagnosis. PAN muscular involvement may have limited or early systemic forms with a benign course and excellent clinical response to corticosteroid therapy. Herein, we describe the clinical course and outcome of four unusual cases of PAN manifested by acute onset of pain and pitting edema in both lower extremities; in addition, we reviewed the relevant literature.

A Case of Ankylosing Spondylitis Accompanied by Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy / 대한내과학회지

Peripheral nervous system dysfunction is a rare complication in Henoch-Schonlein purpura, but it tends to recover spontaneously without treatment. A 78-year-old man who had ankylosing spondylitis presented with Henoch-Schonlein purpura associated with progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy. He was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which did not improve despite intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. We describe a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura, accompanied by chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.