[Adult Schönlein-Henoch purpura associated with epidermoid carcinoma of the lung].
BACKGROUND
Association between Schönlein-Henoch purpura and neoplasm can suggest the responsibility of tumour antigens in the genesis of the vasculitis. We report a new case of squamous cell carcinoma associated with Schönlein-Henoch purpura and we discuss the reality of this association.


METHODS
We report the case of a 50-year-old man who presents Schönlein-Henoch purpura with a purpura of lower limbs, joint involvement, gastrointestinal lesions and IgA renal mesangial deposits. The patient received three intravenous methylprednisolone pulses followed with oral corticosteroids. Six months later, while the vasculitis was in remission, the patient presented a squamous cell lung carcinoma. He was treated by chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. At the late follow-up, the neoplasm was incompletely resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
The neoplasm could be responsible of the development of the Schönlein-Henoch purpura. The discovery of this systemic vasculitis in an elderly patient should warrant a deep screening for an occult neoplasm.
Frigui
Makram
M
Service de médecine interne, CHU Hédi-Chaker, route Ain Km 0,5, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie. friguimakram@yahoo.fr
Kechaou
Manel
M
Ben Hmida
Mohamed
M
Kamoun
Khaoula
K
Khanfir
Afef
A
Frikha
Mounir
M
Hachicha
Jamil
J
Bahloul
Zouhir
Z
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000150:complications*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged