Henoch-Schönlein purpura other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is diagnosed using a biopsy of the skin and kidney.

Other Diagnostic Studies[edit | edit source]

Biopsy^[1][2][3]

• Indications
  • No rash
  • Abnormal renal function tests

Skin biopsy

• Light Microscopy
  • IgA deposition in postcapillary venules with IgA deposition and leukocytoclastic vasculitis in is a pathognomonic microscopic feature of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura.
  • Skin lesions less than 24 hrs are preferred as the chronic lesion lack the immunoglobulin isotypes essential for the diagnosis of HSP.
  • A biopsy from a different skin site is taken for the immunofluorescent studies to confirm the diagnosis.

Renal biopsy

• IgA deposition in the mesangium on immunofluorescence microscopy should be differentiated from the IgA nephropathy.
• Light microscopic features range from isolated mesangial proliferation to severe crescentic glomerulonephritis.

References[edit | edit source]

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