Life-threatening complications of Henoch-Schönlein purpura: diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, venous thrombosis and bowel ischaemia

BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Sep 29;13(9):e235905. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235905.

Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common systemic vasculitis occurring in children. Making a diagnosis of HSP is often straightforward, managing its complications can be difficult. Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH), bowel ischaemia and venous thrombosis are rare complications of this disorder. We present a case of a 15-year-old teenage girl presenting with typical purpuric rash of HSP, developed DAH, bowel ischaemia and venous thrombosis. She was successfully treated with pulse methylprednisolone, intravenous Ig and intravenous cyclophosphamide.

Keywords: gastroenterology; haematology (incl blood transfusion); respiratory medicine; rheumatology; vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Humans
  • IgA Vasculitis / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / complications*
  • Mesenteric Ischemia / complications*
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / pathology
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications*

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methylprednisolone