skip to main content

Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardConnective Tissue & VasculitisCutaneous Polyarteritis NodosaSCE Dermatology

A 45-year-old woman with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa presents with painful subcutaneous nodules along the course of arteries on her lower legs, livedo reticularis, and digital gangrene. Biopsy shows necrotising vasculitis of medium-sized muscular arteries. ANCA is negative. What distinguishes cutaneous PAN from systemic PAN?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Cutaneous PAN affects only skin without visceral organ involvement

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cPAN) is a vasculitis limited to the skin (and occasionally peripheral nerves and joints) affecting medium-sized muscular arteries, without visceral organ involvement (no renal, GI, cardiac involvement). This distinguishes it from systemic PAN, which affects internal organs. Both show fibrinoid necrosis of medium vessel walls on biopsy. cPAN is ANCA-negative and is often associated with streptococcal infection, hepatitis B, or inflammatory bowel disease. cPAN has a chronic relapsing course but good long-term prognosis. Treatment includes NSAIDs, Colchicine, and low-dose Prednisolone.

Reference: BAD 2017 Vasculitis Guidelines; EULAR 2022