[Polyarteritis nodosa. Considerations on a clinical case].

Abstract

A case of polyarteritis nodosa is reported. The patient, a 56-year-old white woman, had cutaneous nodules, ulcers and livedo reticularis over the limbs. Abdominal angiography revealed the presence of microaneurysms. Hypertension, rheumatic heart disease (under anticoagulation therapy) and diabetes mellitus, were also detected. The controversial attempt in distinguishing between systemic and cutaneous polyarteritis is emphasized, and the influence of warfarin on skin lesions morphology is discussed.