Polyarteritis as a Cause of Intestinal Hemorrhage

A case of polyarteritis manifesting acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage is presented. Several years previously the patient had two episodes of spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage. Arteriography demonstrated multiple aneurysms in the small and medium size visceral arteries which is considered virtually pathognomonic of the disease. Extravasation of contrast medium in the vicinity of the gastroduodenal artery was seen and presumed to be the site of bleeding. Histological sections of the perivagal area, gallbladder, and pancreas disclosed changes considered typical of polyarteritis.