1. Introduction
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is an immune-mediated vasculitis associated with IgA deposition. Its etiology is unknown and may be caused by a variety of triggers such as infection, medication, malignancy, etc. [1]. IgA vasculitis is the most common vasculitis of childhood, and its prevalence decreases with age. The most commonly involved organ systems include the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys, and joints. Characteristic findings of HSP include leukocytoclastic vasculitis along with Immunoglobulin A deposition in the affected organs.
Purpura is the presenting symptom in approximately 75% of patients, typically preceding other symptoms by around four days [2]. The rash is often localized to gravity/pressure-dependent areas such as the lower extremities. Arthralgias occur in up to 84% of patients [3] and the arthritis is typically migratory, oligoarticular, and non-deforming. The hips, knees, and ankles are most commonly affected, often with accompanying swelling. A retrospective study of 261 patients diagnosed with HSP conducted from December 1991 to December 2001 found that 58% of patients reported abdominal pain [4]. Meanwhile, a retrospective review of HSP cases in France found that 48% of patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms [5]. However, a case series in India found that only 10% of adults had abdominal pain upon presentation [6]. In comparison to adults, gastrointestinal symptoms occur in up to 50% of children with HSP and typically develop within eight days after the appearance of the rash. Renal involvement is more prevalent in older children and adults [7], with the most common finding being hematuria. Kidney involvement typically occurs within a few days up to one month after systemic symptoms arise. The findings on renal biopsy are identical to what is seen in IgA nephropathy.
There are no diagnostic tests for HSP, thus it is important to remain suspicious when this tetrad of organ systems is involved. In this report, we will discuss the case of a 74-year-old male presenting with an atypical sequence of symptoms making it challenging to correctly identify HSP.
2. Case Presentation
A 74-year-old Caucasian male with a medical history of coronary artery disease, Hepatitis B, and hypertension presented to the emergency department with 3 days of a severe, 10/10 in intensity, cramping abdominal pain. He denied nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and endorsed a petechial rash on the dorsum of both feet (Figure 1). The patient stated that the petechial rash appeared about 4 hours after the onset of the abdominal pain. He also endorsed diffuse myalgia. Several weeks prior, the patient had cold-like symptoms that included cough, rhinorrhea, and progressive myalgia. The patient denied any illicit substance, alcohol, or tobacco use. The patient’s only home medication was lisinopril. About 6 days prior to admission, the patient was evaluated in the Emergency Department where a CT scan demonstrated concentric wall thickening of the ileum, and a small amount of fluid in the paracolic and rectovesical spaces. He was discharged from the Emergency Department with a 7-day course of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.
On the physical exam sparse and faint petechiae were noted on the top of the feet as seen in Figure 1. The patient was tender to palpation of the left and right
![]()
Figure 1. Initial presentation of the palpable purpura.
lower abdominal quadrants. At the time of admission, the patient’s CBC was unremarkable except for a WBC of 10.7 × 103/mm3 (reference range: 4 to 10 × 103/mm3). CMP was only notable for a transaminitis with an AST of 54 (reference range: 15 to 37 U/L) and an ALT of 76 (reference range: 13 to 61 U/L). The BUN/Cr ratio was 10.8/0.7. There was a positive FOBT. During the course of his hospital admission, the patient’s UA was notable for microscopic hematuria (Table 1). CRP was elevated at 8.3 (reference range: 0.00 - 0.03 mg/dL) and ESR was within normal ranges. Additional labs including ANA, Proteinase 3, C-ANCA, P-ANCA, atypical P-ANCA, myeloperoxidase Ab, dsDNA, glomerular base membrane Ab, Complement C4, and Total complement (CH50) were all within normal ranges. Complement C3 was borderline low at 80 (reference range: 82 - 167 mg/dL). An abdominal CT scan demonstrated distal jejunum concentric wall thickening suggestive of acute enteritis which was new when compared to a previous CT scan. At the time, differentials included enteritis of either inflammatory or infectious cause and as a result, Flagyl, Rocephin, and IV fluids were initiated. Subsequent CTA found no obvious occlusion in the mesenteric vessels but the distal branches were not visualized. A biopsy was taken of the skin lesions noted above.
With the resolution of the previously mentioned symptoms, the patient was discharged home with information for proper outpatient follow up.
Shortly following the noted hospital course, the patient returned to the Emergency Department with a recurrence of severe abdominal pain. The patient continued to have proteinuria and microscopic hematuria on a repeat urinalysis (Table 1). Another CT scan demonstrated acute colitis at the level of the cecum and ascending colon. A colonoscopy demonstrated hemorrhagic mucosa was found in the terminal ileum. Biopsy results from the terminal ileum demonstrated moderate
acute inflammation with extravasated red blood cells and hemorrhage within the lamina propria, focal erosions, and regenerative/reactive changes. At this time, the skin biopsy performed on the prior admission resulted in leukocy-toclastic vasculitis.
During this admission, the patient initially presented with petechiae similar to his previous admission. As the hospital stay progressed, the purpura coalesced as seen in Figure 2. To further investigate the microscopic hematuria, cystoscopy was performed showing a normal bladder and urethra. To further investigate the hematuria and proteinuria on the UA, a renal biopsy was performed. Renal biopsy results further described below lead to the diagnosis of IgA vasculitis. Figure 3 demonstrates cellular crescents which correspond to glomerular injury within the context of this disease. Upon immunofluorescence microscopy (as seen in Figure 4), IgA deposits within the glomerular capillary walls are noted, as well as in the mesangium. Electron dense deposits are seen on electron microscopy in Figure 5. These findings, particularly those seen in Figure 4, are strongly suggestive of HSP. The patient was treated for the acute exacerbation with methylprednisolone to help shorten the duration of his acute pain symptoms, and discharged with appropriate outpatient follow ups. Unfortunately, despite having several appointments, the patient failed to follow up in the clinic.
3. Discussion
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic, autoimmune, small vessel vasculitis with multiorgan involvement that is associated with IgA deposition. HSP is the
![]()
Figure 2. Progression of palpable purpura with coalescent lesions in lower limbs.
![]()
Figure 3. IgA nephropathy with cellular crescent (blue arrow) on light microscopy (Periodic Acid Stain, original magnification ×600). Courtesy of Michael B Stokes MD.
![]()
Figure 4. Below showing granular staining for IgA deposits seen in mesangial regions and a few glomerular capillary walls (immunofluorescence, original magnification ×400) Courtesy of Michael B Stokes MD.
![]()
Figure 5. Electron microscopy showing dense deposits (arrows) scattered throughout the mesangium. Courtesy of Michael B Stokes MD.
most common systemic vasculitis in children, as 90% of cases occur in the pediatric age group [8]. It is typically self-limited, and is characterized by palpable purpura, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and renal involvement. Infections, medications, vaccinations, and malignancies have been implicated as possible triggers for HSP, yet the underlying etiology is unknown. The pathophysiology of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is not fully understood. IgA complexes deposit in the wall of small blood vessels leading to neutrophil accumulation which results in inflammation [3]. Complement C3 receptor lymphocytes may bind to immune complexes contributing to the inflammatory response.
There are no specific laboratory tests to assess for markers of HSP. Often, the following tests are done to exclude other diagnoses: Antinuclear Antibody (ANA), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), C3 and C4, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (C-ANCA and P-ANCA). The normal results for these markers in our patient excluded some of the more common causes of vasculitis in adults, and led us to continue to investigate more rare causes for our patient’s symptoms, including HSP.
The clinical presentation varies, but a palpable purpuric rash is the presenting sign in most cases. The rash often begins as erythematous, macular, or urticarial wheels and is nonpainful. The initial rash can evolve into ecchymoses, petechiae, or palpable purpura. It appears in groups and is symmetrically distributed, typically seen in the lower extremities and buttocks, though the face, trunk, and upper extremities may be involved. There may be associated edema of the hands, feet, or face as well. When the rash is biopsied, leukocytoclastic vasculitis is identified, characterized by neutrophilic infiltration and IgA deposition in the dermis, as demonstrated in our patient.
Arthralgias occur in up to 84% of patients [3], and are usually migratory, oligoarticular, and nondestructive. Lower extremity joints are more commonly involved than joints in the upper extremities. Often, there is prominent swelling and tenderness with considerable limitation of mobility. Our patient, however, did not present with this classic and quite prevalent symptom.
Abdominal pain associated with HSP is caused by submucosal hemorrhage and edema due to vasculitis involving the splanchnic circulation [4]. The inflammation and hemorrhage of the mucosa found on the intestinal biopsies strongly indicate ischemic changes due to small vessel vasculitis in the small branches supplying the intestine. The case for small vessel vasculitis was further supported by the inability to visualize the terminal branches of the mesenteric arteries on the CTA. Gastrointestinal symptoms may range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms consist of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, while severe findings consist of hemorrhage, bowel ischemia, intussusception, or bowel perforation. Intussusception is the most common GI complication of HSP. Gastrointestinal symptoms typically develop about one week after the rash, although that is not always the case, as seen with our patient. On endoscopy, erythema, edema, ulcers, and skip lesions may be seen. The second portion of the duodenum is most commonly involved, although lesions may also be seen in the gastric antrum, cecum, ileum, and colon [9].
IgA containing immune complexes get deposited in glomerular capillaries, leading to renal manifestations. The most common presentation is microscopic hematuria with or without proteinuria [10]. In the case of our patient, during both of his admissions he had significant levels of proteinuria and hematuria. Involvement of the kidneys is more prevalent in adults than in children, and extensive renal involvement is associated with an increased risk of progressive disease. Deterioration of kidney function may ensue over time, resulting in end-stage renal disease. Our patient had a creatinine level between 0.7 and 0.8 during both admissions. On kidney biopsy, granular IgA type 1 and C3 deposits in the mesangium which supported the diagnosis of IgA Vasculitis. Severity can range from isolated mesangial proliferation to severe crescentic glomerulonephritis. It is also possible for fluorescence to show IgG, IgM, fibrinogen, and C3 in the glomeruli.
Treatment is primarily supportive in most cases. This involves providing adequate hydration, monitoring kidney function/GI involvement, symptomatic treatment of arthralgias, and discontinuing medications suspected of precipitating HSP. Joint pain may be relieved with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, etc. Studies have shown that glucocorticoid therapy helps shorten the duration of abdominal pain in patients with HSP but does not affect morbidity [11].
In our patient, his clinical presentation arose several weeks after an upper respiratory infection as is seen in approximately one-half of the cases of HSP [12]. This connection, along with the seasonal nature of HSP cases, which primarily occur in the winter, spring and fall but rarely in the summer [13], support a possible association between infections and HSP. The patient’s presentation which occurred during the winter is in line with this association. However, compared to children, adults with this disease rarely have abdominal pain as the first clinical manifestation [6]. In adults, it is more common to have a poor renal outcome than in children [5]. Although our patient had microscopic hematuria and proteinuria, he had normal renal function throughout his hospital stay. The patient was again given several follow up appointments, however the patient failed to return for his follow up appointments.
4. Conclusion
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is not commonly seen in adult populations, but should be suspected when there is gastrointestinal, skin, joint, and/or renal involvement. The typical presenting signs of HSP are usually either a skin rash or arthralgias, and although a vast majority of patients will present with either one of these two symptoms, it is important to be aware of non-classic presentations. Our patient’s presentation was atypical in that he presented with severe abdominal pain and a faint petechial rash that led to the diagnosis of HSP and associated renal IgA vasculitis.
Consent
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.