Description

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) may affect the central nervous system (CNS) in several ways. The neurologic involvement may be the presenting symptom for the condition and can result in permanent disability.


Patient selection: Henoch-Schonlein purpura

 

Mechanism: small vessel vasculitis, with ischemic infarcts and/or edema and/or hemorrhages

 

Often there is involvement of the parieto-occipital region.

 

Clinical features may include:

(1) headache

(2) behavioral changes including irritability

(3) seizure disorder

(4) posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)

(5) peripheral neuropathy or mononeuritis

(6) transient paresis

(7) confusion or decreased level of consciousness

(8) aphasia

(9) visual disturbances including cortical blindness

(10) focal neurologic deficit

(11) subarachnoid hemorrhage

 

The diagnosis may be helped by the presence of other manifestations (purpura, nephritis, arthralgia, abdominal pain, etc.).


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