Localized periarteritis nodosa with periostal new bone formation

Introduction. - Polyarteritis nodosa is a disease process with a wide clini cal spectrum, ranging from a severe generalized multisystem disorder to a m ole benign condition which may remain limited to the skirt, muscles and per ipheral nerves, a,ld is termed cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. Periosteal b one formation is uncommon in this condition. Exegesis. - We report two cases (two female patients of 80 and 55 years of age, respectively) who complained of, red, tender nodules of legs and bone pain. Histological changes were those of necrotizing arteritis of the small and medium arteries in the panniculus and dermis. Bone X-ray showed perios teal bone formation. Conclusion. - In patients with pain, skin changes and swelling of the lower limbs, the diagnosis of periateritis nodosa with periostitis has to be con sidered. (C) 1999 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.