Life-threatening complications of Henoch-Schönlein purpura: diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, venous thrombosis and bowel ischaemia

Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common systemic vasculitis occurring in children. Making a diagnosis of HSP is often straightforward, managing its complications can be difficult. Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH), bowel ischaemia and venous thrombosis are rare complications of this disorder. We present a case of a 15-year-old teenage girl presenting with typical purpuric rash of HSP, developed DAH, bowel ischaemia and venous thrombosis. She was successfully treated with pulse methylprednisolone, intravenous Ig and intravenous cyclophosphamide.