Ileal ulcers in a patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura

SummaryHenoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by a classic tetrad of nonthrombocytopenic palpable purpura, arthritis, gastrointestinal, and renal involvement. The most common gastrointestinal complaint is abdominal pain. The characteristic endoscopic findings are ulcers seen in the second portion of the duodenum. We present the case of a 45-year-old man suffering from abdominal pain. Erythematous purpura over bilateral lower extremities and soreness of the joints developed 3 days before abdominal pain. An abdominal computed tomography showed an edematous change of the intestinal wall and the distal part of the ileum. A retrograde single balloon enteroscopy revealed several discrete ulcers and hyperemic mucosa in the distal ileum. The middle, proximal, and terminal ileum and ileocecal valve to the rectum were not affected. Under the impression of HSP, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisolone were administered. We concluded that balloon-assisted enteroscopy is helpful for differential diagnosis of small bowel lesions in adult patients with HSP