First signs of Schonlein-Henoch purpura in a 74-year-old-woman with hyperthyroidism

Abstract

History and clinical findings: A 74-year-old woman had for 3 weeks suffered from watery diarrhoea and diffuse abdominal pain. She felt restless, had a subfebrile temperature (37.8°C), tachycardia and a blood pressure of 190/90 mmHg. Shortly after admission petechiae were found over the lower legs and she complained of joint pains. Investigations: Laboratory tests established hyperthyroidism. Skin biopsy showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Tests for antinuclear antibodies, antistreptolysin titre, rheumatoid factors, cryoglobulins and TSH-receptor antibodies were negatie, immunoglobulin A (IgA) was raised. Treatment and course: As a drug-induced vasculitis was suspected treatment was started w..