Severe preeclampsia superimposed on polyarteritis nodosa

A patient with a history of drug abuse and histologically diagnosed hepatitis B - related polyarteritis nodosa was admitted for severe hypertension. After a cesarean section because of worsening of her clinical status with severe proteinuria and edema, she improved dramatically. No sign of acute polyarteritis nodosa occurred. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1996;174:1659-60.)