A Case of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Complicated by Hemorrhagic Ascites and Multiple Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a common form of vasculitis primarily involving the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the joints, the kidneys, and the nervous system. During the course of Henoch-Schönlein purpura diverse gastrointestinal manifestations can occurr, but there were only few reports on the gastrointestinal endoscopic findings, hemorrhagic ascites, and Helicobacter pylori infection as complications. We report herein a 75-year-old man with Henoch-Schönlein purpura complicated by hemorrhagic ascites, multiple upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with gastric Helicobacter pylori infection. The purpuric rashes, the gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and the hemorrhagic ascites were improved after systemic glucocorticoid and Helicobacter pylori irradication with amoxycillin treatment.