Occipital hemorrhage in a child with Schönlein-Henoch syndrome

The involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the Schönlein-Henoch Syndrome is quite rare. It seems to be connected with a systemic vasculitis (deriving from Circulating Immuno-Complex), clinically manifested by generic symptoms of meningeal irritation or convulsions, hemiparesis and choreas, due to hemorrhagic lesions. The Authors report a Schönlein-Henoch's syndrome in a 7-year-old boy characterized by diffuse vascular involvement with petechial purpura on his legs, arms and face, intestinal hemorrhages, gross hematuria and serious cerebral involvement. CT-scan showed a right occipital hematoma. A pathogenetic as well as a symptomatic therapy was carried out. The Authors discuss the diagnostic validity of CT.