What is periarteritis nodosa?
A person with periarteritis nodosa has a rare disease that causes inflammation of small arteries in the body. The inflammation causes lumps, or nodules, to form in the walls of arteries. Large nodules can block blood flow in an artery, resulting in poor circulation and high blood pressure. The cause of periarteritis is unknown. For some reason, white blood cells, which normally fight infection, attack the walls of the arteries.

What are the symptoms of periarteritis nodosa?
Symptoms of a periarteritis nodosa include weakness, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, muscle aches, joint pains, and tender, swollen lumps on the legs.

How does the doctor treat periarteritis nodosa?
Treatment for periarteritis nodosa includes medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.