Combined diagnostic imaging of intestinal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura

The case of a 39-year-old male patient with symptoms of persistent abdominal pain and melena, affected by Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is reported. Abdominal CT was requested. The examination was justified by the fact that symptoms could be correlated with other pathological conditions (volvulus, neoplasms, Chron's disease, etc.) which had to be excluded. For optimum study of the abdominal wall, correct preparation and the use of oral contrast agents were required. From the analysis of CT findings, in particular loop thickening with stratified density, the increased density of mesenteric fat and the presence of fluid among loops led to the radiological diagnosis of intestinal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Other imaging procedures (double contrast enema, sonography, Doppler US, MRI) now used in the study of intestinal loops, are examined.