Henoch-Schonlein purpura associated with Toxocara canis infection

We describe a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in the onset of Toxocara can is infection. The diagnosis was made in a 17-year-old boy based on the asso ciation of palpable purpura, oligoarthritis, acute abdominal pain, microhem aturia, and cutaneous vasculitis. Toxocariasis, suggested by hypereosinophi lia and domestic contact with a puppy, was confirmed by anti-Toxocara IgG a nd IgE and Western blot. Complete spontaneous resolution occurred within a few days. Transient presence of antinuclear antibodies and the absence of l arvae in the skin biopsy favor an immunologic parasite induced disorder. A hypersensitivity vasculitis to Toxocara canis is suggested.