Abstract
The diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is difficult, especially when abdominal symptoms precede cutaneous lesions.We report three cases of adult HSP revealed by gastrointestinal (GI) involvement.
Highlights
Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a leucocytoclastic vasculitis involving small vessel with deposition of immune Ig A complexes
HSP is characterized by palpable purpura, arthritis, renal and gastrointestinal involvement
The incidence of HSP, the clinical features and the severity seems to be different compared to children [2]
Summary
Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a leucocytoclastic vasculitis involving small vessel with deposition of immune Ig A complexes. HSP primarily affects children, (approximately 15 cases/100.000 per year) [1]. Except for potential intestinal complications, its prognosis is usually excellent. Nephritis is another complication that might have less prognosis. We report three cases of adult-onset HSP revealed by gastrointestinal (GI) involvements. Case reports Over a period of 2 years (2009-2010), three patients with adult-onset HSP were admitted to Department of Internal Medicine. Skin biopsy showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis with Ig A and C3 deposits in direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in the 3 cases. The kidney biopsy revealed “Extracapillar glomerulonephritis with Ig A depositis in DIF) and the patients received 6 monthly cyclophosphamide pulse. All the patients had complete recovery from their abdominal symptoms within approximately three weeks
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