Terminal Ileitis Induced by Henoch–Schonlein Purpura That Presented as Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a self-limited autoimmune disease, the cause of which is not clear. Gastrointestinal involvement is often the main symptom of HSP. We report an unusual and rare case in a patient who was diagnosed with HSP. This is the second report of terminal ileitis induced by HSP that presented as acute appendicitis. We report a 21-year-old man who presented with right lower abdominal pain, and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Terminal ileitis was diagnosed intraoperatively, and when a rash occurred postoperatively, the final diagnosis was HSP. When the rash occurred, HSP was diagnosed and methylprednisolone was administered for 5 days. The diagnosis of HSP is difficult to establish, especially when the purpura occurs after gastrointestinal involvement; thus, abdominal pain should not be ignored and HSP should be considered.