An Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis Case Without Skin Symptoms Complicated With Severe Abdominal Symptoms

Abstract

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) primarily affects childhood and can be categorized as immune complex vasculitis. It typically presents with purpura, abdominal pain, arthritis, and nephritis. IgAV can be diagnosed without hesitation when the characteristic skin lesions appear at onset; however, in cases where the abdominal symptoms precede the skin rash or there is no purpura at all, diagnosis can be challenging. Delayed diagnosis of IgAV may be associated with serious abdominal complications, such as gastrointestinal perforation. Here, we describe a girl with IgAV complicated with severe abdominal symptoms and lacking purpura. Despite this lack, the patients elevated levels of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP), suggestive of vasculitis, and localized small bowel intestinal wall thickening suggested IgAV. After administration of steroids relieved the abdominal symptoms and hypoalbuminemia, treatment was discontinued. Given the limited reports of patients with IgAV complicated with severe abdominal symptoms and no skin symptoms, the diagnosis and management process remains unclear. Therefore, it is imperative to consider IgAV as a differential diagnosis in patients with severe abdominal symptoms. Furthermore, we suggest checking D-dimer, CRP, and coagulation factor XIII activity levels in these patients.

J Med Cases. 2022;13(4):145-150
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3893