ABSTRACT
Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPN) is an uncommon form of vasculitis. It exists as a separate entity, though bearing similar name with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) which is an aggressive systemic vasculitis with multi-organ involvement. CPN runs a chronic but benign course. Its aetiology is unknown and it usually presents with painful nodules on the legs with mild constitutional symptoms, and extracutaneous features of arthralgias, arthritis, neuropathy and myopathy. No mortality has been reported thus far. It is therefore important to distinguish CPN apart from PAN. Symptomatic treatment with judicial use of systemic steroids and anti-inflammatory agents will suffice in most cases.
Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPN) is an uncommon form of vasculitis of the small-and medium-sized arteries in the reticular dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It remains limited and runs a chronic, benign course.
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