Spontaneous non-aneurysmal rupture of the renal pedicle artery due to acute vasculitis in polyartheritis nodosa--with survival.

The first published case is presented of survival following a ruptured renal artery due to acute vasculitis in polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Spontaneous, massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage was the presenting symptom in this case. Emergency nephrectmoy was carried out as a life-saving procedure. Postoperative studies revealed that only the kidneys and joints were involved in the disease.