Korean J Gastroenterol.  2001 May;37(5):379-383.

Ileocolonoscopic Diagnosis of Ileal Vasculitis in Henoch - Schonlein Purpura Mimicking Acute Abdomen prior to the Development of Skin Lesions

• Kim MS
• Kim HS
• Park SJ
• Baik SK
• Lee DK
• Kwon SO
• Cho MY

Abstract

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is an immunologically mediated systemic vasculitis of small vessel in the skin, joints, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or kidneys. The patients typically show palpable purpura with one or more characteristic manifestations including abdominal pain, hematuria or arthritis. However, in up to 15% of patients, GI symptoms precede the purpuric rash, which makes the diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura difficult and even results in unnecessary surgical intervention. Recently, we have experienced a patient with Henoch-Schonlein purpura who initially presents with lower abdominal pain and melena. From colonoscopic biopsy, he was diagnosed as having ileal vasculitis due to the deposition of C3, C4, fibrinogen and IgA in or around the vessel walls of involved bowel and treated properly.

Keyword

Henoch - Shonlein purpura; Acute abdomen; Ileal Vasculitis

MeSH Terms

Abdomen, Acute*
Abdominal Pain
Arthritis
Biopsy
Diagnosis*
Exanthema
Fibrinogen
Hematuria
Humans
Immunoglobulin A
Joints
Kidney
Melena
Purpura*
Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch
Skin*
Systemic Vasculitis
Vasculitis*
Fibrinogen
Immunoglobulin A