Penile involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura with good prognosis
Pietro Ferrara1, Giuseppina Marrone, Alessandro Nicoletti
1Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, A. Gemelli Hospital, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy. pferrara@rm.unicatt.it
Insights
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), a common childhood vasculitis, can present with unusual symptoms. This case highlights a 3-year-old boy with HSP experiencing penile swelling after treatment, which resolved spontaneously.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Vasculitis
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
Background:
- Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most frequent vasculitis affecting children, typically occurring between ages 4 and 6.
- This case involves a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with HSP following otomastoiditis and treated with cephalosporin and corticosteroids.
Observation:
- The patient presented with a typical purpuric skin rash consistent with HSP.
- Following treatment and initial recovery, the child developed acute swelling of the glans, prepuce, and penis.
Findings:
- The penile swelling was an acute occurrence, appearing 4 days after recovery from the initial illness.
- This genitourinary symptom resolved completely within 2 days.
- The cutaneous rash of HSP subsided by the time of hospital discharge.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in children.
- It suggests that genitourinary manifestations, such as penile swelling, can occur in pediatric HSP, even after initial treatment.
- Further observation is warranted to understand the full range of HSP presentations and their management in young children.
Abstract:
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), the commonest vasculitis in children, occurs most frequently between the ages of 4 and 6 years. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy with an otomastoiditis who was treated with cephalosporin and corticosteroids following a typical purpuric skin rash diagnosed as HSP. The patient also developed an acute occurrence of impairment of the glans, prepuce and penis 4 days after recovery that completely disappeared after a further 2 days, with the cutaneous rash subsiding on discharge from hospital.
