Atypical IgA-associated vasculitis – case reports

Introduction
IgA-associated vasculitis (IgA vasculitis, IgAV), formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is the most common systemic inflammation of the small vessels in children. The disease most often affects the skin, joints, digestive tract and kidneys. It is usually characterised by a mild and self-limiting course and full recovery within a few weeks. The paper presents the cases of patients with severe and complicated IgAV.

Case report
In both cases, the kidneys were affected by the disease. The first patient had rare necrotic skin changes and splenic infarction not previously described. The second patient developed hypertension and nephropathy with nephrotic proteinuria.

Conclusions
IgA-associated vasculitis can have a severe course and produce rare complications. Patients may require non-standard individualised management as well as long-term clinical observation to monitor renal function parameters and complications of the treatment.