Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA Vasculitis) Chronic Lesions: How Fluorescence Imaging of Bacteria Illuminated the Way Toward Healing

Abstract

Background/Objectives: IgA vasculitis, formerly Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a form of systemic vasculitis that most commonly affects children. We present a case of hard-to-heal lower extremity lesions in a patient with confirmed IgA vasculitis or HSP. Methods: The patient was serially imaged with a handheld, bacterial autofluorescence imaging device across subsequent visits. Results: Due to the identification of bacterial burden presence that was not clinically evident, the patient was prescribed antibiotics and promptly healed. Conclusions: This case illustrates the value of bacterial fluorescence imaging in dermatological cases.

Keywords

• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• IgA vasculitis
• purpura
• vasculitis
• bacterial fluorescence
• bacterial fluorescent imaging