We describe a patient with secondary hypertension and erectile
dysfunction due to polyarteritis nodosa. A 30-year-old man was admitted because of
hypertension and impotence. Blood pressure was 156/94 mm Hg, and was similar in both
arms. Superficial sensation was diminished in the soles of the feet. Plasma renin activity
was elevated. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the renal arteries
showed bilateral multiple microaneurysms in peripheral arterial branches between the
interlobular and arcuate arteries of both kidneys. DSA of the internal iliac artery, the
internal pudendal artery, and the hepatic artery also showed multiple microaneurysms, as
well as focal stenoses. A diagnosis of organic (vascular) erectile dysfunction was made
based on findings by the Rigi-scan (Dacomed Inc.). The patient, then, had polyarteritis
nodosa presenting hypertension and erectile dysfunction