A 50-year-old man presents with palpable purpura over the lower extremities, arthralgia, and hematuria. He had an upper respiratory infection 2 weeks ago. Serum IgA levels are elevated. Skin biopsy shows leukocytoclastic vasculitis with IgA deposition in vessel walls. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
• B IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein purpura) ✓
• C Hypersensitivity vasculitis due to drugs
• D Cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis

Explanation

IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein purpura) is characterized by palpable purpura, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and renal involvement with IgA-dominant immune deposits on biopsy. It commonly follows an upper respiratory infection. While classically a childhood disease, it occurs in adults and carries worse renal prognosis. Cryoglobulinemia would show cryoglobulins and hepatitis C association. Drug-induced vasculitis has a temporal relationship to medication.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.