What are common symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura?

Study for the USMLE Step 3 Exam. Master key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions including hints and explanations. Prepare for your success!

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), also known as IgA vasculitis, is a small-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. Key clinical features of HSP include a distinct skin rash, typically presenting as palpable purpura, and abdominal symptoms such as acute abdominal pain. These symptoms arise due to the deposition of IgA-containing immune complexes in small blood vessels, leading to inflammation.

The skin rash associated with HSP commonly appears on the buttocks, legs, and sometimes the arms, and is often accompanied by joint involvement, such as arthritis or arthralgia. Abdominal pain can vary in intensity and may be due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract.

In this context, the symptoms of acute abdominal pain coupled with a skin rash align with the classic presentation of HSP, making the identification of this option as the correct one valid. The other choices do not typically correlate with the clinical manifestations of HSP as accurately, emphasizing the significance of acute abdominal pain and skin rash in diagnosing this condition.

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