Korean J Pediatr.  2006 Dec;49(12):1354-1357. 10.3345/kjp.2006.49.12.1354.

Acute hemorrhagic edema in an infant mimicking Henoch-Schonlein purpura: a case study

• Lee HM
• Kang EY
• Kim HU
• Hwang PH

• KMID: 2278510
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2006.49.12.1354

Abstract

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is an uncommon form of cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis that occurs in infants and children younger than 2 years. AHEI is characterized clinically by marked peripheral edema and fever as well as large palpable purpuric and ecchymotic skin lesions in a target-like pattern, mainly on the face, ears and extremities, similar to the skin findings of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). The skin lesions heal spontaneously within one to three weeks and internal organs are rarely affected. We report a case of AHEI occurring in a 23-month-old boy who was initially misdiagnosed as HSP, and was later diagnosed according to his clinical symptoms and histochemical characteristics.

Keyword

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI); Leukocytoclastic vasculitis; Purpura

MeSH Terms

Child
Ear
Edema*
Extremities
Fever
Humans
Infant*
Male
Purpura
Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch*
Skin
Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous