All of the following organs contain aneurysm in polyaeritis nodosa except?
First, the core concept. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries. It leads to aneurysm formation in various organs. The key here is to know which organs are commonly involved versus those that aren't. Common sites include kidneys, skin, nerves, and gastrointestinal tract. But which one is the exception?
For the correct answer, the explanation should mention that PAN doesn't typically affect certain organs. For example, the lungs are usually spared because PAN doesn't involve small vessels, and lung arteries are more affected by other vasculitides like GPA. So if the correct answer is the lung, that's the exception.
The incorrect options would be other organs that do get affected. Let's say the options were A. Kidney, B. Skin, C. Liver, D. Lung. Then the correct answer is D. Lung. The explanation would detail why the others are affected and why the lung isn't. The clinical pearl would be that PAN spares the lungs and doesn't involve capillaries, unlike other vasculitides.
Need to make sure the explanation is concise, fits within the character limit, and follows all the formatting rules. Also, check that each section is covered properly with the required points.
**Core Concept**
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic vasculitis targeting **medium-sized arteries**, leading to aneurysm formation. Characteristic aneurysms occur in **kidneys, skin, gastrointestinal tract, nerves, and muscles**, but not in **lungs** due to the absence of capillary involvement.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The **lungs** are **exceptionally spared** in PAN because this vasculitis **exclusively affects medium-sized arteries** and **avoids capillaries and small vessels**. Lung arteries are small and not typically targeted, distinguishing PAN from other vasculitides like granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), which involves pulmonary capillaries.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A: Kidneys** – PAN commonly causes renal artery aneurysms, leading to hypertension.
**Option B: Skin** – Cutaneous involvement, including subcutaneous nodules and skin infarcts, is hallmark of PAN.
**Option C: Gastrointestinal Tract** – Mesenteric artery aneurysms in PAN can cause abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
PAN spares the **lungs and glomeruli**, unlike GPA or microscopic polyangiitis. Remember: **“PAN = No Lung, No Capillaries”** to avoid confusion with other vasculitides.
**Correct Answer: D. Lung**