Polyarteritis nodosa and cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.

Cutaneous vasculitis can present with a variety of lesions and associated symptoms. It is important for the clinician to be able to recognize vasculitis lesions and know when to pursue further laboratory studies that will determine the extent of the disease process in a patient. This review compares and contrasts polyarteritis nodosa with its cutaneous counterpart. The diagnostic workup and management of these two entities as well as the overall approach to a patient with a possible vasculitic condition are emphasized.