A rare presentation of Henoch-Shönlein purpura and myocardial infarction at the fifth decade of life

Abstract

Henoch-Shönlein purpura (HSP) is an IgA-mediated, autoimmune hypersensitivity vasculitis of childhood that results in a triad of symptoms, including a purpuric rash occurring on lower extremities, abdominal pain or renal involvement, and arthritis. Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the rare complications of HSP. This report describes a rare presentation of HSP with coronary vasculitis, which led to MI in a 53-year-old man. HSP was diagnosed on the basis of no infection, accelerated ESR (35 mm/h), normal platelet count, positive skin biopsy, proteinuria, and negative results for RF, ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA.