[Etiology and precipitating factors of necrotizing angiitis with respiratory manifestations. 5 case reports]

Five cases of periarteritis nodosa or Churg and Strauss angeitis are reported. They all had one feature in common, their onset after desensitivity procedures, an injection of gammaglobulin or vaccination. These factors were found either at the onset or before a relapse of the disease. None of the patients had HBS antigen, which supports the hypothesis of a multiple antigenic etiology of periarteritis nodosa, some of which may cause respiratory symptoms, especially asthmatic attacks. The authors emphasise the importance of prohibiting desensitivity procedures and vaccinations in patients with severe asthma.