Polyarteritis nodosa presenting as cholecystitis-a case report.

Medium and small arteries are mainly affected by polyarteritis nodosa. Lungs are spared but any other organ can be involved. Gallbladder can be part of this systemic disease. Isolated gallbladder disease is not common. The presentation of the systemic polyarteritis nodosa as acute cholecystitis is described in this case report. Management of the disease depends on the involved organs and usually consists of systemic steroids. The diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa should be considered in patients with previous systemic symptoms who develop picture of acute cholecystitis.