title: GI involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura is difficult, especially when abdominal symptoms precede cutaneous lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of GI involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
  
  
  METHODS
  Endoscopic or radiographic findings throughout the entire GI tract were retrospectively reviewed for 7 patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Histopathologic findings were analyzed and correlated with findings at EGD and colonoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The duodenum and small intestine were most frequently involved (6 patients, each site). Contrast radiography of the small intestine demonstrated thickened mucosal folds or small barium flecks. Findings at EGD were multiple irregular ulcers, mucosal redness and petechiae in the duodenum. In 4 patients, the second part of the duodenum was predominantly affected. Ulcerating lesions accompanied by hematoma-like protrusions were detected in 4 patients in whom leukocytoclastic vasculitis was proven histopathologically.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EGD appears to have the greatest diagnostic utility in patients suspected to have Henoch-Schönlein purpura with GI involvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
authors.forename: Motohiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esaki
authors.forename: Takayuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Shotaro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Masumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kawasaki
authors.forename: Keiichiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Iwai
authors.forename: Katsuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hirakawa
authors.forename: Ken-Ichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tarumi
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Mitsuo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iida
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007082:Ileum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography