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Gastrointestinal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura
1Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 9, 2008
Summary
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) frequently causes gastrointestinal symptoms in adults. Endoscopic evaluation reveals characteristic mucosal changes, aiding early diagnosis, especially when skin manifestations are absent.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis often affecting children, but also occurring in adults.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is a common complication of HSP, presenting with diverse symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical and endoscopic features of gastrointestinal manifestations in adult patients diagnosed with HSP.
- To identify characteristic endoscopic findings that aid in the early diagnosis of HSP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 115 adult patients diagnosed with HSP between January 1995 and January 2006.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, laboratory data, and endoscopy and pathology reports.
Main Results:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 78.2% of patients, with abdominal pain being the most common.
- Endoscopic findings included mucosal erythema, edema, ulcers, and nodular changes, particularly in the second duodenum and terminal ileum.
- HSP can present as acute abdomen without typical skin lesions.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal manifestations are frequent in adult HSP patients.
- Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are valuable tools for diagnosing HSP, especially in cases lacking typical skin symptoms.
- Distinct endoscopic findings in the duodenum and ileum suggest HSP.
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