IgA vasculitis presenting as abdominal pain and rash

Abstract

A 57-year-old white man presented with acute abdominal pain and rash without any prodromal symptoms. The skin biopsy confirmed immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis with small vessel vasculitis and perivascular IgA, C3, and fibrin deposition. IgA vasculitis is diagnosed most commonly in children and presents in adults in only 10% of cases. Treatment is usually supportive care, and interventions may be required to avoid complications such as nephrotic syndrome or acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinicians should be aware of IgA vasculitis as a potential cause for abdominal pain and rash in adult populations.

Keywords:

• Abdominal pain
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• IgA vasculitis
• palpable purpura