Polyarteritis nodosa presenting as profuse gastrointestinal bleeding : a case report

Abstract

We report the case of a five years old boy presented with abundant hematemesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a duodenal ulcer. A bleeding ruptured aneurysm of the right renal artery was discovered during laparotomy. Arteriography confirmed aneurismal dilatation of the right renal artery. The diagnosis of PAN was made. The patient was managed by prednisone and cyclophosphamide with good outcome. In cases of seemingly obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or duodenal ulcer in children without risk factors, the diagnosis of necrotizing vasculitis should be suspected.