Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Secondary to Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), a systemic, small-vessel vasculitic syndrome, is characterized by a nonthrombocytopenic purpuric rash, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and nephritis. These signs and symptoms may occur in any order, and not all are necessary for the diagnosis. Although most common in 4- to 7-year-olds, HSP is well documented in adults and is often preceded by a history of mucosal-based infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract. We report a case of HSP that occurred coincident with the onset of subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) in an otherwise healthy 41-year-old white woman. The patient presented with a purpuric rash and arthralgia and was found to have left-sided streptococcal SBE. She subsequently developed abdominal pain and immune complex glomerulonephritis. The bacterial endocarditis was treated with antibiotics and mitral valve replacement, followed by a spontaneous resolution of the associated signs and symptoms of HSP.