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10 April 2015 : Case report  USA

Bullous Skin Lesions in an Adult Male: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis

Gaurav GulatiBEF, Jenny SivBF, Avis E. WareEF

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.893218

Am J Case Rep 2015; 16:215-219

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is an IgA small-vessel vasculitis that is primarily a disease of childhood. Its presentation in adulthood is rare and has a more severe disease course. We present a case with an atypical presentation of this disease that was a diagnostic challenge for multiple providers.

CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old man noticed bullous lesions over his ankles that spread to his entire legs over a few weeks. They later became necrotic and ulcerated areas. His primary care physician and 2 dermatologists could not reach a definitive diagnosis. He then presented to our hospital with new abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and a new elevation in liver enzymes. A biopsy of his skin lesions led to the diagnosis of HSP.

CONCLUSIONS: We discuss this highly unusual initial presentation with bullous skin lesions and liver enzyme abnormalities and explore the medical literature to understand its pathogenesis. Clinicians need to be aware of this rare presentation to avoid a delay in diagnosis and management.

Keywords: Diagnosis, Differential, Blister - etiology, Biopsy, Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch - diagnosis, Skin - pathology, Tomography, X-Ray Computed

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American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923