IgA Vasculitis

Excerpt

A 37-year-old male presented with 2 weeks of abdominal pain, petechiae, palpable purpura, and arthralgias (Figs. 1 and 2). Past medical history was significant for hypertension, GERD, and family history of IBD. Initial rash began on the thighs and spread diffusely with significant burden on the nose, hands, and feet. Initial labs were notable for normal platelets, hematuria, and normal creatinine. An initial skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and a secondary skin biopsy with immunofluorescence sent to Johns Hopkins revealed IgA immunoglobulins and C3 deposition in blood vessel walls, resulting in the definitive diagnosis of IgA vasculitis. Although IgA vasculitis notoriously affects the kidney blood vessel walls, a 24-h urine protein revealed minimal proteinuria. Treatment with prednisone improved symptom burden and led to full recovery.

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