Massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage, successfully treated with corticosteroids, as main symptom of Schönlein-Henoch purpura

Schönlein-Henoch purpura is a small vessel disease that affects mainly skin and kidney, although several gastrointestinal symptoms may occur including abdominal pain, intussusception, perforation or bleeding. Massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage is rare and even more as the main symptom of the disease. We present a case of a 2-year-old boy with Schönlein-Henoch purpura who developed a massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding requiring blood transfusion. In this patient both Schönlein-Henoch purpura and gastrointestinal haemorrhage were successfully treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, avoiding surgical intervention. Physicians need to have a high index of suspicion when evaluating these patients, even more when dermatologic signs are scarce. Glucocorticosteroid therapy may be effective when treating severe gastrointestinal symptoms.