What is the relationship between polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and hepatitis B?
PAN is a medium vessel vasculitis that can affect the skin, the GI tract, the kidneys and the nerves. While PAN is a relatively rare disease, up to half of all PAN cases are secondary to hepatitis B. Classic PAN usually manifests within the first 6 months of hepatitis B infection.
Treatment includes plasmapheresis to remove circulating immune complexes, antiviral agents, and prednisone.
