PERIARTERITIS NODOSA: WITH CASE REPORTS

Abstract

Fourteen proven cases of periarteritis nodosa observed are reported and compared with the 101 cases in the literature reported by Harris. In 7 of these cases the diagnosis was made antemortem. In this series weakness was by far the most common symptom and was present in 13 cases. Tachycardia, fever, loss of wt. and hematuria were the most common manifestations and were exhibited in 10 patients. In general, however, the most common symptoms are referable to the organs most commonly affected which are the kidneys, gastro-intestinal tract, reproductive organs, pancreas and heart. The duration of illness is closely correlated with the degree of involvement of the vital organs. Though the avg. duration of life in this series was 14 mos. after the onset of illness, 2 cases are alive and essentially free of symptoms 24 and 30 mos. after the onset of their illness. Treatment even with sulfonamides has not altered the course of the disease.