Polyarteritis nodosa and the antiphospholipid syndrome.

SUMMARY We describe a case of classical polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) with visceral aneurysms presenting with renal infarction and hypertension. The female patient also had all the laboratory features of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and 2 months into her illness developed a large iliofemoral thrombosis. She responded well to immunosuppressive therapy and anticoagulation. Repeat arteriogram showed regression of the visceral aneurysms. The link between PAN and APS, and the therapeutic dilemma posed by this association, are discussed.