Rare and unusual case of polyarteritis nodosa involving the gastrointestinal tract leading to bowel gangrene

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotising vasculitis preferentially targeting medium-sized arteries and not related with glomerulonephritis or small vessel involvement. Clinical manifestations of PAN are multisystem. The gastrointestinal, renal, cardiac, musculoskeletal, skin and central nervous systems may be involved. The aetiology remains unknown, and the ensuing vasculitis may lead to aneurysm formation and thrombosis in any organs of the body with resultant ischaemia. PAN of the intestines is a relatively common manifestation of this disease but rarely causes bowel ischaemia resulting in necrosis. Here we report a case of a young Chinese patient who presented with an acute abdomen requiring surgery and made good recovery post operatively. He remains free of symptoms while on steroid therapy.