[Uterine localization of periarteritis nodosa disclosed by fever of long duration].

We report the case of an 81 year-old woman admitted because of declining general health, fever and elevated sedimentation rate. Identification of a pelvic mass on the computed tomographic scan led to perform hysterectomy with a working diagnosis of ovarian malignancy. Histological examination revealed typical lesions of polyarteritis nodosa of uterus and fallopian tube vessels. Diffuse process of the vasculitis was suggested by persistence of fever and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate after hysterectomy. Treatment consisting of high-dose corticosteroids and pulses of cyclophosphamide resulted in prompt clinical and biological improvement. We discuss the incidence, the clinical features and the localized or diffuse nature of genital involvement in polyarteritis nodosa and other vasculitis.