Polyarteritis nodosa and microscopic polyangiitis - The Indian experience

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) are systemic necrotising vasculitides, with a propensity to involve multiple organs. MPA is an ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody)-associated vasculitis while PAN is characterised by the absence of ANCA/other autoantibodies. The clinical profile in India is no different from that reported elsewhere. Lack of physician awareness contributes to diagnostic delays. In absence of disease registries, long-term outcome data from India are sparse.