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Case Reports
. 2009:2009:738293.
doi: 10.1155/2009/738293. Epub 2010 Mar 14.

Rituximab Efficacy during a Refractory Polyarteritis Nodosa Flare

Emmanuel Ribeiro  1 , Thomas Cressend, Pierre Duffau, Marieke Grenouillet-Delacre, Marie Rouanet-Larivière, Anne Vital, Maïté Longy-Boursier, Patrick Mercié
Affiliations
Case Reports

Rituximab Efficacy during a Refractory Polyarteritis Nodosa Flare

Emmanuel Ribeiro et al. Case Rep Med. 2009.

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic vasculitis whose severe forms are treated with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. Refractory patients are exposed to many complications, notably accelerated atherosclerosis. We report a case report of 71-year-old man followed for polyarteritis nodosa refractory to glucocorticoids and cyclosphosphamide. Systemic vasculitis relapses are followed to accelerated atherosclerosis: severe ischemic lesions led to amputation of lower limbs. Remission of refractory PAN is obtained with rituximab. Disappearance of biological inflammatory is allowed to regression of ischemic lesions in upper limbs. In this situation, we recommend a systematic vascular work-up for patients suffered from refractory vasculitis. On the other hand, therapeutic trials are needed to determine the real efficacy and place of rituximab in the treatment of polyarteritis nodosa.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Vasculitis of a muscle arteriole with fibrinoid necrosis (magnification: ×250).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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