Prognosis of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.

A 17-year-old girl had cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPN) of four years' duration. She had no clinical or laboratory evidence of associated systemic disease but was concerned about whether the CPN would remain cutaneous. Her case is reviewed in the context of previously reported cases. The authors include photographs and a microphotograph of the lesions that could help to alert clinicians to the possibility of this disease in their patients.