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[Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa in children: three cases].
C Assicot1, E Bourrat, F Prigent
1Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75475 Paris Cedex 10, France.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|April 9, 2002
Summary
Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cPAN) in children presents with fever, nodules, and livedo reticularis. This rare condition typically has a benign prognosis with non-aggressive, long-term management and follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Vasculitis Research
Background:
- Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis affecting small to medium arteries.
- Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cPAN) is a distinct entity characterized by recurrent episodes limited to skin, muscles, and joints, without visceral involvement.
- cPAn is rare in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of cPAN are presented, with a mean age of 11 years.
- Clinical manifestations included painful subcutaneous nodules, arthralgia, fever, livedo reticularis, and pharyngeal infection.
- Diagnosis was supported by skin biopsy, revealing an inflammatory syndrome.
Findings:
- The disease course was marked by relapsing-remitting episodes.
- Treatment with salicylates, colchicine, dapsone, or penicillin effectively controlled symptoms.
- Corticosteroids were reserved for debilitating symptoms, and no systemic involvement was observed during follow-up (2-6 years).
Implications:
- Early suspicion of cPAN in children presenting with fever, subcutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis, and arthralgia is crucial.
- The generally benign prognosis supports conservative management strategies.
- Long-term follow-up is recommended due to the condition's relapsing nature.