[Periarteritis nodosa and viral hepatitis B, conjugal forms. Apropos of 4 cases].

Four cases of periarteritis nodosa (PAN) associated with HB virus are reported in three couples. The spouse also had periarteritis nodosa (cases 1 and 2) or had hepatitis B (spouses of cases 3 and 4). These observations underscore the part played by conjugal transmission of HB virus and the risk of secondary PAN. Such observations are uncommon as the four reported cases occurred among a group of 95 PAN patients. Nevertheless, they are additional evidence in support of the role of HB virus which is associated with PAN in 45% of cases in this series.