Periarteritis is a medical term referring to inflammation around the arteries. The spelling of this complex word can be broken down into its phonetic components: /pɛrɪˌɑrtəˈraɪtɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced like "pair" with added stress on the second syllable. The second syllable sounds like "artery" with an added suffix "-itis." The stress falls on the third syllable because the word follows the pattern of "peri-xxxx-itis." The correct spelling ensures that medical professionals can effectively communicate and diagnose patients with this condition.
Periarteritis, also known as polyarteritis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the walls of multiple arteries throughout various organs in the body. It is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects small and medium-sized arteries.
The inflammation that occurs in periarteritis can lead to thickening and weakening of the affected arteries, resulting in decreased blood flow to the organs and tissues they supply. This can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the specific arteries involved. Common manifestations of periarteritis include fever, fatigue, weight loss, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and nerve damage.
The exact cause of periarteritis is unknown, but it is believed to involve an abnormal response of the immune system, causing it to mistakenly attack healthy tissues. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of this condition.
Diagnosis of periarteritis often requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various laboratory tests. Treatment typically involves the use of immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, to reduce inflammation and control the immune response. In certain cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or bypass severely damaged arteries.
Without treatment, periarteritis can lead to serious complications, including organ damage and failure. However, with proper management, the prognosis of this condition has improved significantly over the years. Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is necessary to monitor the disease progression and adjust treatment accordingly.
Inflammation of the outer coat, or adventitia, of an artery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word periarteritis is derived from the Greek roots peri- meaning around or surrounding, and arteria meaning artery. Therefore, periarteritis literally translates to inflammation around an artery.