Peer-review started: August 18, 2014
First decision: September 28, 2014
Revised: December 22, 2014
Accepted: February 10, 2015
Article in press: February 12, 2015
Published online: March 28, 2015
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis mediated by type III hypersensitivity with deposition of IgA immune complex in the walls of vessels. It is a multi-system disorder characterized by palpable purpura, arthritis, glomerulonephritis and gastrointestinal manifestations and commonly occurs in children and young adults. The patients with gastrointestinal involvement usually present with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting and melena. The imaging findings include multifocal bowel thickening with mucosal hyperenhancement, presence of skip areas, mesenteric vascular engorgement, with involvement of unusual sites like stomach, duodenum and rectum. These imaging findings in a child or young adult with appropriate clinical findings could suggest HSP.
Core tip: The gastrointestinal involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura produces typical imaging findings. In an appropriate clinical setting, these findings often suggest the diagnosis.