What vasculitis is associated with HBV infection and when should it be suspected?
PAN can be seen in patients infected with HBV. HBV infection was previously thought to contribute to one-third of cases of PAN; however, with established vaccination programs and systematic screening of blood transfusions, it now contributes to <5% of cases in developed countries. Patients with HBV-associated PAN have active viral replication, persistent antigenemia, and circulating immune complexes.
