Abstract
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an IgA-mediated immune vasculitis which is characterized by purpuric lesions and osteoarticular, intestinal and sometimes renal manifestations. The histopathological substrate of this entity is leucocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) with IgA deposits seen on immunohistochemistry. We here report the case of a 27-year-old woman with abdominal pain and cutaneous purpura. Upper and lower endoscopic exploration showed purpuric lesions in the rectum but not in the stomach. Skin biopsy revealed LCV. IgA deposits were seen only in gastric mucosa. The patient was treated with corticoids which led to improvement of both the cutaneous and digestive symptoms. This case suggests that gastrointestinal biopsies of both normal and abnormal mucosa should be taken in Henoch-Schönlein purpura, especially in patients with atypical forms.LEARNING POINTSThe diagnosis of Henoch–Schönlein purpura may be difficult, especially in patients with atypical forms.Identification of IgA deposits is important for the diagnosis; these deposits may be absent in skin biopsies but present in gastrointestinal mucosa despite the absence of lesions on endoscopy.Therefore, taking gastrointestinal biopsies of both involved and uninvolved mucosa is important.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European journal of case reports in internal medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
