Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Presenting as Abdominal Pain before Purpura: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an acute, systemic immunoglobulin-medicated small-vessel vasculitis. It is the commonest vasculitis of childhood and is typically characterised by a tetrad of abdominal pain, arthritis, palpable purpura, and renal disease. All patients develop palpable purpura, while 84-90% develop arthritis, 57-58% develop abdominal pain, and 20-54% develop renal involvement. Gastrointestinal symptoms can be the first presenting complaint with the absence of initial purpura, leading to a delay in diagnosis.