RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSION AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION SECONDARY TO POLYARTERITIS NODOSA : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

We describe a patient with secondary hypertension and erectile dysfunction due to polyarteritis nodosa. A 30-year-old man was admitted because of hypertension and impotence. Blood pressure was 156/94 mm Hg, and was similar in both arms. Superficial sensation was diminished in the soles of the feet. Plasma renin activity was elevated. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the renal arteries showed bilateral multiple microaneurysms in peripheral arterial branches between the interlobular and arcuate arteries of both kidneys. DSA of the internal iliac artery, the internal pudendal artery, and the hepatic artery also showed multiple microaneurysms, as well as focal stenoses. A diagnosis of organic (vascular) erectile dysfunction was made based on findings by the Rigi-scan (Dacomed Inc.). The patient, then, had polyarteritis nodosa presenting hypertension and erectile dysfunction.