The value of ultrasound in Schoenlein-Henoch purpura.

We report the results of ultrasound studies on 11 children with Schoenlein-Henoch purpura. In 8 children the ultrasound examination was normal. In two of three patients with macroscopic haematuria, haemorrhagic cystitis, a previously undescribed finding in Schoenlein-Henoch purpura, was found. In one case the gall bladder wall and the wall of several adjacent loops of bowel were markedly thickened. Follow up examinations after clinical recovery demonstrated complete resolution of these abnormalities. Our observations demonstrate that diagnostic ultrasound may have an important role before more expensive and invasive procedures are employed in patients with Schoenlein-Henoch purpura.