[Symptoms and clinical features of panarteritis nodosa (author's transl)].

Panarteritis nodosa was diagnosed in five patients, two of whom died shortly thereafter, while three are followed now up to four years. Clinical and biochemical findings will give the first diagnostic pointer to panarteritis nodosa, while the only proof can be by biopsy of the affected organ. Prognosis varies and must be assessed cautiously in the individual case. Type, extent and number of organs involved are of decisive role prognostically. An allergic-hyperergic reaction of the vessels walls is thought to be the cause. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressives may be used therapeutically. The neuromuscular form of panarteritis responds quite well to this form of medication, but prognosis depends on whether there is also visceral involvement.