Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)

My eight year old son has been diagnosed with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. I have posted a message with subject livedo racemosa just a few days ago (09-11-2000). Thanks to your reply I called the hospital for the result of the biopsy the same day, instead of waiting for two weeks. I have a few questions on this rare disease:
My son has a livedo racemosa (rash) with papules. He has no other symptoms besides the rash (he complained about headache and being tired, but that was after we had spent a whole day in the hospital with several examinations).
Physical examinations by a pediatric and dermatologist showed no involvement of internal organs. I will get the result of a bloodtest next week.
The dermatologist told me he would prescribe an antimalaria drug if no internal organs are involved (to begin with after the bloodtest comes back next week)
My questions:
1: Do you suspect internal organs involvement?
2: What do you think about the suggested medication?
3: What are the prognoses of a cutaneous PAN?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sandra:

At this point, you are beyond my area of expertise.  This is a rare disorder, which is best managed by physicians who have experience with it, whether in children or adults.  Certainly, systemic involvement is possible and should be looked for.  As for treatment, again I would have to defer to those with gretaer expertise than I have.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff