Fatal Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in an Adult Related to Bowel Perforation: Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Henoch-Schonlein purpura is an idiopathic, IgA associated, systemic small-vessel vasculitis characterized by the clinical tetrad of palpable purpura, arthralgias, renal dysfunction, and abdominal pain. Whereas Henoch-Schonlein is an overwhelmingly pediatric disease, its rare diagnosis in adults carries a much higher morbidity and mortality.

Observations: We describe a 52-year-old man with biopsy proven Henoch-Schonlein who expired from bowel perforation.

Conclusions: Severe gastrointestinal complications and death from gastrointestinal involvement by Henoch-Schonlein purpura is rare. The authors surmise that multiple co-morbidities may have contributed to our patient's demise.