Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine (May 2020)
Low Back Pain and Swelling as an Atypical Presentation of IgA Vasculitis
Abstract
Introduction: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgA vasculitis), formerly Henoch-Schonlein purpura, is the most common vasculitis in children. Case Report: A 6-year-old female presented with low back pain and swelling, difficulty ambulating, and rash two weeks after a respiratory infection. She was approached with a broad differential and ultimately diagnosed with IgA vasculitis. Discussion: Cutaneous manifestations, arthralgias, renal and gastrointestinal involvement are the most common presenting signs of IgA vasculitis. Only two cases of IgA vasculitis associated with lumbar pain and swelling were identified in the literature. Conclusion: While rash and joint pain are common presenting signs of IgA vasculitis, practitioners should be aware it can present atypically.