Ischemic necrosis of bile ducts complicating Schönlein-Henoch purpura

Gastroenterology. 1999 Jul;117(1):211-4. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5085(99)70569-x.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal complications of Schönlein-Henoch purpura are frequent and sometimes severe. However, there seem to be no reports of liver involvement. A child is described in whom Schönlein-Henoch purpura was complicated by bile duct lesions, resulting in biliary cirrhosis and requiring liver transplantation. At surgical removal, the liver had lesions of bile ducts and of adjacent small blood vessels in the hilum, very similar to those complicating hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation. These findings suggest that Schönlein-Henoch purpura can be complicated by vasculitis of the peribiliary vessels resulting in ischemic necrosis of the bile ducts. Schönlein-Henoch purpura can be added to the list of causes of ischemic cholangiopathies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bile Ducts / blood supply*
  • Bile Ducts / pathology*
  • Child
  • Cholangiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • IgA Vasculitis / complications*
  • IgA Vasculitis / pathology
  • Ischemia / etiology*
  • Ischemia / pathology*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Necrosis