POLYARTERITIS NODOSA

also called Periarteritis Nodosa, inflammation of blood vessels and surrounding tissue; it may affect functioning of adjacent organs. The word nodosa ("knotty") forms part of the name because of the fibrous nodules along the medium-sized arteries that are affected. The course and symptoms of the disease vary. Men are more susceptible to it than women. It often follows other illnesses, particularly bronchial asthma, and hypersensitivity to drugs is a suspected cause. The condition is diagnosed by microscopic examination of inflamed tissue. Treatment involves corticosteroid therapy.