Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and thromboses of the superior and inferior venae cavae.

The case of an adolescent female with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and thromboses of the superior and inferior venae cavae is presented. Although thromboses of major vessels have been well described in systemic lupus erythematosus and Behçet's disease, this is only the second case of thromboses of major vessels in association with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed.