Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a systemic leukoclastic vasculitis that predominantly affects small vessels. This results in purpura, abdominal pain, arthralgia and occasional sometimes nephritis. Gastrointestinal involvement occurs in 50∼75% of the patients. The small bowel and colon are relatively commonly affected, but the gastric involvement is rare. Endoscopic findings include mucosal edema, hemorrhagic changes, erosions and superficial ulcers. However, deep gastric ulcers are rarely observed in Henoch-Schönlein purpura and have not been reported yet. We report a patient with typical Henoch-Schönlein purpura who presented with melena due to bleeding from multiple deep gastric ulcers and got improved with administration of high dose corticosteroid. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2004;29:199⁣203)

• Keywords: Henoch-Schö;nlein purpura, Gastric ulcer