[Visceral giant cell arteritis similar to polyarteritis nodosa]

Biopsy from the small and large intestines of a 60-year old female patient with intestinal tract ulcerations helped to reveal angiitis similar to polyarteritis nodosa but with progressive proliferation of giant multinuclear cells in the inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils. As much as 20-31% eosinophils were found in peripheral blood. Postmortem examination also confirmed the presence of angiitis in the kidneys, liver and thalamus. The position of arteritis between polyarteritis nodosa and visceral giant cell arteritis is discussed.