An Unusual Clinical Presentation of Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis in an Elderly Patient

Abstract

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis (IgAV), also known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura, is an IgA-mediated leukocytoclastic vasculitis predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and skin. IgAV appears to be more common in children and is relatively rare in the adult population. We describe a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with bilateral lower extremity swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss, in which a diagnosis of IgAVs was established with a skin biopsy. This case highlights a rare and unusual clinical presentation of IgAV in an older patient and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.