Polyarteritis Nodosa Causes & Risks

Causes

The cause of polyarteritis nodosa is unknown. In relatively rare cases, however, it occurs with hepatitis B virus infection or hairy cell leukemia .

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing polyarteritis nodosa:

• Age: 40 to 60 year olds (although it can occur at any age, it occurs most often in one’s 40s or 50s)
• Sex: men
• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Intravenous drug use