A Case of Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa Associated With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is regarded as an immune-complex mediated vasculitis and can present as extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. When treating HBV-associated PAN with immunosuppressive agent such as systemic steroid, the possibility of viral reactivation should be kept in mind and eagerly checked. Herein we report a case of HBV-associated cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and its treatment outcome with combination therapy of steroid and antiviral agent, lamivudine for 6 weeks. Our experience suggests that more clinical data should be collected to determine the proper indication and end-point of antiviral therapy in chronic HBV carriers who receive immunosuppressant therapy.