HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

Rhumatoid purpura : cutaneous manifestation at the level of the right ankle.
Rhumatoid purpura, also named Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a vasculitis (inflammation of small vessels) allergic or auto-immune origin. It mainly affects children between two and seven years old. The exact cause of this allergic reaction is generally unknown ; it could be a respiratory infection, a vaccination, the ingestion of an aliment, an insect sting, .... The deposit of immune complexes in the vessels causes an inflammation, originating from the default of vascular permeability and as a result sub-cutaneous micro-hemorrhages. This syndrome is characterized by a purpura (petechies), des articulary pains (knees and ankles), an oedema of the foot, abdominal pains and seldom a renal affection.