[A case of polyarteritis nodosa with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy]

A 55-year-old male was admitted with non productive cough and fever which had continued for 6 weeks. The patient had symptoms of peripheral neuralgia. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) and reticular shadows in both lung fields. Other laboratory abnormalities included hematuria, RBC cast, high BUN, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. Destruction of the internal membrane of arterioles was observed in a livedo reticularis on the right lower extremity. Renal angiography showed irregularity in the diameter, discontinuation and narrowing of peripheral arteries of both kidneys. These findings suggested the existence of "angiitis". These data were compatible with the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa (PN). Prednisolone (60 mg/day) administration resulted in the improvement of his symptoms and laboratory findings. A case of PN with lymph node swelling has been reported, however PN with BHL has not yet been reported. This is the first report of PN with BHL.