Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa: a comprehensive review

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa is a rare form of vasculitis relating to small-to-medium-sized arteries. Its etiology is unknown. Clinical manifestations include tender subcutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis, cutaneous ulcers and necrosis. Although it is distinct from systemic polyarteritris nodosa in that it lacks significant internal organ involvement, extra-cutaneous manifestations may be evident. Commonly encountered symptoms include fever, malaise, myalgias, arthralgias, and paresthesias. Exclusion of systemic polyarteritis nodosa is essential in diagnosis. The clinical course is chronic with remissions, relapses, and a favorable prognosis. Mild cases may resolve with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If more severe, treatment with systemic corticosteroids generally achieves adequate response; however, adjunctive therapy is often necessary to allow reduction in steroid dosage.