Meningismus in IgA vasculitis (Henoch–Schönlein purpura)

Abstract

IgA vasculitis is the most common acute systemic vasculitis in children. Typical symptoms include cutaneous purpura not associated with thrombocytopenia, acute-onset abdominal pain, arthritis, renal symptoms and, less commonly, neurological symptoms. The disease is usually mild and self-limiting. Although the aetiology of IgA vasculitis is unknown, autoimmune involvement is suspected. Symptomatic treatment is mainly used; therapeutic method that would reduce disease duration and prevent recurrence is unknown. Meningococcal sepsis should always be ruled out in a child with cutaneous purpura. We present a case of a 4-year-old boy with IgA vasculitis who developed symptoms of meningeal irritation.