Unusual manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein syndrome
J. R. Byrn, J. F. Fitzgerald, J. D. Northway, S. K. Anand and J. R. Scott
Henoch-Schonlein syndrome represents a diagnostic challenge when the
abdominal and/or joint manifestations precede the cutaneous lesions.
Laparotomy is often performed unnecessarily. We describe a patient whose
abdominal symptoms antedated the appearance of cutaneous lesions by three
months. Gastrointestinal blood loss, thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and
the roentgenographic appearance of the small intestine suggested the
correct diagnosis. His course was further complicated by hypertension
associated with elevated plasma renin levels without evidence of nephritis.
Joint manifestations were mild and transient as were testicular pain and
swelling.
