GI involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
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.
Esaki
Motohiro
M
Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Matsumoto
Takayuki
T
Nakamura
Shotaro
S
Kawasaki
Masumi
M
Iwai
Keiichiro
K
Hirakawa
Katsuya
K
Tarumi
Ken-Ichi
K
Yao
Takashi
T
Iida
Mitsuo
M
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