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Ultrasonography to diagnose and exclude intussusception in Henoch-Schönlein purpura
S C Hu1, M S Feeney, M McNicholas
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Insights
Abdominal pain in Henoch-Schönlein purpura may indicate intussusception. Ultrasound aids early diagnosis and monitoring of this complication in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common childhood vasculitis.
- Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom in pediatric HSP, often necessitating investigation for gastrointestinal complications.
- Intussusception and bowel perforation are serious concerns in children with HSP.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 152 children diagnosed with HSP over 11 years was conducted.
- Sixty children experienced abdominal pain, 19 had gastrointestinal bleeding, and 9 had suspected intussusception.
- Ultrasonography confirmed intussusception in 2 of the 9 suspected cases.
Findings:
- Ultrasound is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of intussusception complicating Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
- In cases of "loose" intussusception, expectant management with close monitoring may lead to spontaneous reduction.
- Ultrasound can also monitor for postoperative intussusception recurrence, mural hematoma, and uncomplicated intestinal vasculitis.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of intussusception in HSP is crucial for appropriate management.
- Ultrasonography offers a non-invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring gastrointestinal complications in pediatric HSP.
- Expectant management guided by ultrasound may be a viable option for select cases of intussusception in HSP, potentially avoiding surgical intervention.
Abstract:
Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom in the child with Henoch-Schönlein purpura and raises the suspicion of intussusception or perforation. One hundred and fifty two children with a diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura over 11 years were reviewed. Of these 60 had abdominal pain, 19 gastrointestinal bleeding, and nine were suspected intussusception. Intussusception was confirmed in two of these cases with ultrasonography. Ultrasound is an important tool in the early diagnosis of intussusception complicating Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Where the intussusception appears loose an expectant policy, with careful monitoring, may allow spontaneous reduction. It may also be used in monitoring patients for postoperative recurrence of intussusception, mural haematoma, and uncomplicated intestinal vasculitis with oedema.
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