USE OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY IN TWO CASES OF ADULT HENOCH-SCHÖNLEIN PURPURA

Abstract

We experienced two cases of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) using capsule endoscopy (CE) to evaluate the grade of intestinal disorder. Case 1 : A 54-year-old male presented with purpura on extremities, 5 days after he had abdominal pain. Inflammatory infiltrating cells were detected on skin biopsy. After two weeks of conservative therapy, his symptoms persisted and CE showed multiple areas of redness, edema and erosion in the small intestine. We concluded that additional treatment was needed and started steroid therapy. Case 2 : A 53-year-old male had abdominal pain and proteinuria a few days after eruption appeared on his extremities. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was confirmed on skin biopsy. His anemia worsened two months after starting steroid therapy ; however, the intestinal mucosa was almost normal on CE. Therefore, we considered that bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract was unlikely and continued the steroid therapy. Capsule endoscopy was helpful for deciding the course of treatment for HSP.