NCIt definition : A systemic necrotizing vasculitis that typically affects the small and medium-sized
muscular arteries. In some cases, however, microscopic vessels are also affected (e.g.,
in the kidneys), a condition that has been called microscopic polyarteritis or polyangiitis;
this disorder is felt to be more closely associated with Wegener granulomatosis than
to classic polyarteritis nodosa.;
Alternative definition : NICHD: Systemic vasculitis affecting small vessels that is necrotizing and non-granulomatous,
with little to no immune complex deposition. Clinically it is characterized by involvement
of the kidneys, skin, lung, and peripheral nerves. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
(anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO)) is positive in most cases.;