Thrombosis and priapism in a patient with Henoch-Schonlein purpura

External Male Genitalia in Henoch-Schönlein Syndrome: A Systematic Review

The external genitalia are notoriously implicated in every fifth male with Henoch−Schönlein syndrome. Nonetheless, the underlying conditions are poorly categorized. To characterize the involvement of the external male genitalia in this vasculitis, we performed a systematic review of the literature. For the final analysis, we selected 85 reports published between 1972 and 2022, which reported on 114 Henoch−Schönlein cases (≤ 18 years, N = 104) with a penile (N = 18), a scrotal (N = 77), or both a penile and a scrotal (N = 19) involvement. The genital involvement mostly appeared concurrently with or after the cutaneous features of Henoch−Schönlein syndrome, while it preceded the presentation of Henoch−Schönlein syndrome in 10 cases. Patients with penile involvement (N = 37) presented with swelling (N = 26), erythema (N = 23), and purpuric rash (N = 15). Most patients were otherwise asymptomatic except for transient micturition disorders (N = 2) or priapism (N = 2). Patients with scrotal involvement (N = 96) presented with pain (N = 85), swelling (N = 79), erythema (N = 42), or scrotal purpura (N = 22). The following scrotal structures were often involved: scrotal skin (N = 83), epididymis (N = 49), and testes (N = 39). An ischemic testicular damage was noted in nine patients (four with torsion and five without). The scrotal skin involvement was mostly bilateral, while that of the epididymis and testis were mostly (p < 0.0001) unilateral (with a significant predilection for the left side). In conclusion, this analysis allows for better categorization of the involvement of external male genitalia in Henoch−Schönlein vasculitis. Scrotal involvement can result from skin inflammation, epididymitis, orchitis, or testicular ischemia.

Cardiovascular, thromboembolic and renal outcomes in IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura): a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected primary care data

BACKGROUND

IgA vasculitis (IgAV, Henoch-Schönlein purpura) is a small-vessel vasculitis most common in children but also occurring in adults. Case series have suggested that IgAV may be associated with cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism, but this has not been evaluated in population-based studies. Renal disease and hypertension are possible complications of the disease with unknown incidence.

METHODS

Using a large UK primary care database, we conducted an open retrospective matched cohort study of cardiovascular, venous thrombotic and renal outcomes in adult-onset and childhood-onset IgAV. Control participants were selected at a 2:1 ratio, matched for age and sex. Adjusted HRs (aHRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

2828 patients with adult-onset IgAV and 10 405 patients with childhood-onset IgAV were compared with age-matched and sex-matched controls. There was significantly increased risk of hypertension (adult-onset aHR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.70, p < 0.001; childhood-onset aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.89, p < 0.001) and stage G3-G5 chronic kidney disease (adult-onset aHR 1.54, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.93, p < 0.001; childhood-onset aHR 1.89, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.07, p=0.010). There was no evidence of association with ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease or venous thromboembolism. All-cause mortality was increased in the adult-onset IgAV cohort compared with controls (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.50, p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IgAV are at increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with individuals without IgAV; analysis restricted to adult-onset IgAV patients showed increased mortality. Appropriate surveillance and risk factor modification could improve long-term outcomes in these patients.

Unusual presentation of Henöch-Schonlein purpura

We present a rare case of a 4-year-old boy with newly diagnosed Henöch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) affecting the scrotum and penis. The patient presented to the emergency department with palpable purpura symmetrically distributed over the lower limbs. This was associated with arthritis of the right knee, abdominal pain and scrotal swelling. These symptoms were preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The patient was initially treated with empirical oral antibiotics for epididymitis and was discharged. He subsequently re-presented 12 days later with penile swelling, erythema and tenderness. An ultrasound scan of the penis revealed grossly oedematous subcutaneous tissue with normal penile architecture. His symptoms resolved spontaneously and the patient remains under close follow-up by the paediatric team for further sequelae of HSP.

Acute Genitourinary Swelling and Erythema as Presenting Symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) may present in a variety of ways, most commonly with joint pain or the distinctive palpable purpura. Genitourinary manifestations of HSP are less common and may precede the classic signs and symptoms of HSP, making the diagnosis difficult. We report a case of a 19-month-old boy with penile and scrotal erythema and swelling at presentation who was later diagnosed with HSP.

Penile Skin Involvement as the First Presentation of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Report of Nine Cases and Review of Literature

Introduction:

Involvement of penis is a rare presentation in henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP). The presentations are mainly due to the deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) into the vessel walls.

In this report, we present the clinical history of nine HSP cases that presented with penile skin involvement.

Case Presentation:

All patients were referred in the acute phase of HSP. Penile skin involvement was evident as erythema, edema, ecchymosis, or induration of prepuce and/or penile shaft, that appeared simultaneously with skin rash in seven patients. Gastrointestinal involvement was positive in six patients. Patients were treated with steroids and follow up visits were normal except for one patient that developed crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Conclusions:

We present nine cases of HSP with penile involvement in order to indicate another rare aspect of HSP and its possible complications as well as its appropriate treatment.

Urological Manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: A Review

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an immune-mediated systemic vasculitis generally found in children. The standard manifestations of HSP are palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain, and renal complications. Although less common, there are significant urological manifestations associated with HSP. The primary objective of this review is to encourage better understanding and management of HSP by emphasizing the common and rare manifestations of HSP, how they are diagnosed, and the latest treatment options for mild to severe complications. Medline searches of HSP and its urological manifestations were conducted along with searches on current diagnostic and treatment methods. Urological manifestations of HSP involve the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, scrotum, testicle, and penis. Diagnosis and management of HSP are not always clear due to differential diagnosis and diversity of symptom presentation. Treatment for HSP is mainly supportive and includes use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. In more severe cases, glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, and peritoneal and hemodialysis are reported successful. It is important to note different symptoms of HSP in order to distinguish HSP from other diseases. Early diagnosis may prevent severe complications. Treatment options vary from conservative to invasive depending on the severity of the disease and time frame of diagnosis.

Thrombosis warning in children suffering from henoch-schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is one of the most common types of vasculitis in children. The characteristic clinical manifestations include non-thrombocytopenic purpura, arthritis or arthralgia, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and renal abnormalities. Thrombosis has been reported as, a rare complication of HSP. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with HSP and suspected superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. We reviewed the relevant literature and found eight similar reported cases. HSP is associated with thrombosis and HSP itself and some risk factors may result in thrombosis. We suggest that physicians should monitor patients with HSP who are at a higher risk of developing thrombosis more closely.

Atypical Presentation of Priapism in a Patient With Acute Iliocaval Deep Venous Thrombosis Secondary to May-Thurner Syndrome

We report on a 42-year-old male who presented with priapism, severe scrotal swelling, and left lower extremity pain and swelling. Initial management of priapism failed, and he was noted to have both cavernosal and glandular venous obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) was performed and identified extensive acute thrombosis involving the distal inferior vena cava and the left iliac veins. Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PMT) was started over the course of two days. At completion of thrombolysis, the culprit lesion in the left common iliac vein was treated with angioplasty and stenting. His postoperative course was uneventful, and his priapism as well as the scrotal and leg swelling improved. He was discharged home on full anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the first available description of this rare presentation along with a literature review of the underlying vascular etiology for priapism.

Thromboembolic disease in vasculitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To give an overview of recent clinical findings of thromboembolic disease in vasculitis and provide insight into possible explanations of the association between thrombosis and inflammation.

RECENT FINDINGS

A high incidence of venous thrombotic events has recently been described in four distinct cohorts of patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), especially during periods of active disease. No factors other than the vasculitis itself have been identified that explain this high occurrence of thrombosis. Several studies have shown an increased rate of thrombosis in Behçet's disease, with a different clinical presentation from that observed in AAV. Recent laboratory findings provide exciting insights into a bidirectional feedback loop between coagulation and inflammation that may be applicable to vasculitis.

SUMMARY

Thrombosis is an important clinical manifestation of some types of vasculitis. Better understanding of the association of thrombosis with inflammation in vasculitis might lead to development of clinically useful biomarkers and new approaches to therapy. Additionally, study of the specific factors involved in thrombosis in systemic vasculitis could help explain the role of inflammation in more common settings of venous thrombotic events.