Introduction: Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel leucocytoclastic vasculitis with IGA deposit. Its little known underlying pathogenic mechanism probably involves an auto-immune reaction triggered-off by various antigens and notably bacterial or viral infectious agents.
Observation: An HSP associated with renal tuberculosis was observed in a 12 year-old girl. Renal tuberculosis, suspected because of lumbago with aseptic leukocyturia, was confirmed by the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the urine and the abnormalities found in intravenous urography. One month after initiation of the antituberculosis treatment, an HSP was confirmed by cutaneous biopsy. Evolution was rapidly favourable. Eight years later, the patient had not presented any other episodes of HSP or renal involvement.
Discussion: The association of a tuberculosis with HSP is very rarely reported in children. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not yet clear. It can be triggered-off by tuberculosis or antituberculosis treatment. In our patient, the rapid regression of the symptomatology and pursuit of the treatment without incidents argue against the hypothesis of HSP induced by antituberculosis agents.