HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA - A DIAGNOSIS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic, generalized vasculitis o f unknown etiology thought to be related to an IgA-mediated autoimmune phenomenon. Diagnosis is based on a constellation of physical finding s that include the characteristic nonthrombocytopenic petechial or pur puric rash, migratory polyarthralgias, abdominal pain, and renal compl ications. We report the case of a 19-year-old man with a diagnosis of HSP who had severe abdominal pain and endoscopic documentation of duod enal involvement. Though not clear at presentation, the diagnosis beca me obvious when the characteristic rash emerged.