Henoch-Schönlein purpura: problems in surgical diagnosis and management

The clinico-pathological features of 133 consecutive cases of Henoch-Schönlein purpura are presented, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal manifestations. The potential pitfalls of contrast radiography are underlined with respect to management of intussusception and a plea is made to re-establish clinical assessment of the abdomen as the prime indicator in deciding to undertake laparotomy.