What are the differences in manifestations between Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 22, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Les manifestations de la polyartérite noueuse (PAN) et de la granulomatose éosinophilique avec polyangéite (EGPA) sont distinctes, avec la PAN affectant principalement les artères de taille moyenne et la EGPA présentant des phases allergiques, éosinophiliques et vasculitiques. Les différences clés entre les deux conditions incluent :

  • La présence de symptômes respiratoires tels que l'asthme et les infiltrats pulmonaires dans la EGPA, qui sont rares ou absents dans la PAN 1
  • La présence d'éosinophilie périphérique significative (>10% ou >1500/μL) dans la EGPA, qui est généralement absente dans la PAN 1
  • La présence de granulomes extravasculaires éosinophiliques dans la EGPA, qui sont rares ou absents dans la PAN 1
  • La fréquence de l'implication cardiaque, qui est plus élevée dans la EGPA que dans la PAN 1
  • La présence d'ANCA (anticorps anti-neutrophiles cytoplasmiques) dans la EGPA, qui est souvent positive (30-70% des cas), particulièrement avec des anticorps anti-MPO, tandis que la PAN est généralement ANCA-négative 1

Ces différences sont cruciales pour un diagnostic précis et un choix de traitement approprié. Les études récentes, telles que celles publiées en 2023, soulignent l'importance de la prise en compte de la sévérité de la maladie et de la présence de facteurs de mauvais pronostic pour déterminer le traitement le plus approprié pour la EGPA 1. En résumé, la PAN et la EGPA sont deux conditions distinctes avec des manifestations cliniques, des résultats de laboratoire et des implications d'organe différents, ce qui nécessite une approche diagnostique et thérapeutique spécifique pour chaque condition.

From the Research

Manifestations of Polyartérite Noueuse and Granulomatose Éosinophilique avec Polyangéite

The manifestations of polyartérite noueuse (PAN) and granulomatose éosinophilique avec polyangéite (EGPA) differ in several ways:

  • Organ involvement: PAN can affect any organ, but it does not typically affect the lungs 2. In contrast, EGPA often involves the lungs, with asthma and eosinophilia being unique features of the disease 3, 4, 5.
  • Vessel size: PAN predominantly targets medium-sized arteries, while EGPA affects small- to medium-sized vessels 3, 4, 2.
  • Clinical features: PAN can present with a range of symptoms, including polyvisceral failure, while EGPA is characterized by late-onset asthma, eosinophilia, and vasculitis 3, 4, 5, 2.
  • ANCA association: EGPA is classified as an ANCA-associated vasculitis, although less than 50% of patients have a positive ANCA test 3. PAN is not typically associated with ANCA 2, 6.
  • Treatment: The treatment of PAN and EGPA also differs, with PAN often requiring a combination of glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, while EGPA may be treated with systemic glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, as well as interleukin-5 inhibitors such as mepolizumab 3, 4, 5, 2.

Comparison of Disease Characteristics

The following characteristics of PAN and EGPA can be compared:

  • Disease rarity: Both PAN and EGPA are rare diseases, although the precise frequency of PAN is difficult to determine 2.
  • Pathogenesis: The pathogenesis of PAN remains enigmatic, while EGPA is thought to involve the IL-5-eosinophil axis 3, 4, 5.
  • Prognosis: The prognosis of PAN has improved in recent decades, primarily due to early diagnosis and effective treatments 2. The prognosis of EGPA also varies, with heart involvement being a common cause of death 3.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.