September 6, 2013

Fatal Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in an adult related to bowel perforation: Report and review of the literature


Una Miniter BS, Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae-Harboe MD, Jennifer G Powers MD, Shannon M Campbell DO, Lynne J Goldberg MD
Dermatology Online Journal 18 (10): 9 

Boston University Boston, Massachusetts

Abstract


BACKGROUND: Henoch-Schonlein purpura is an idiopathic, IgA associated, systemic small-vessel vasculitis characterized by the clinical tetrad of palpable purpura, arthralgias, renal dysfunction, and abdominal pain. Whereas Henoch-Schonlein is an overwhelmingly pediatric disease, its rare diagnosis in adults carries a much higher morbidity and mortality. OBSERVATIONS: We describe a 52-year-old man with biopsy proven Henoch-Schonlein who expired from bowel perforation. CONCLUSIONS: Severe gastrointestinal complications and death from gastrointestinal involvement by Henoch-Schonlein purpura is rare. The authors surmise that multiple co-morbidities may have contributed to our patient’s demise.

No comments:

Post a Comment