Massive small bowel infarction and duodenal perforation due to abdominal polyarteritis nodosa: a case report

A 37-year-old Chinese male presented with an acute abdomen. Surgical exploration revealed duodenal perforation, extensive small bowel infarction and peritonitis. Histopathology of the resected bowel showed characteristic features of classic polyarteritis nodosa. The latter also involved mesenteric arteries in the form of tiny aneurysms. Steroids could not be started due to: (i) overwhelming microbial infections and (ii) fear of more perforations in other areas of the bowel. Such a presentation of polyarteritis nodosa is uncommon. Its recognition prior to surgery, management and prognosis is discussed.