Henoch–Schonlein purpura with ischaemic bowel

Abstract

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a vasculitis affecting small arterial vessels. Occasionally, cases are referred for a general surgical opinion due to bowel involvement in the form of abdominal pain with or without rectal bleeding. However, surgical intervention is rarely required. We describe a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in a young man who went on to develop ischaemic bowel requiring resection.