A rare association of acute bacterial endocarditis with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in an adult patient.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic, small vessel vasculitic disorder that mainly affects joint, skin, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. It is primarily a disease of children that is typically self-limited, but 10 percent of cases occur in adults where features and outcomes may vary. The underlying pathogenesis of HSP remains unknown. We report a case of HSP that occurred with the onset of acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE) in an otherwise healthy 37-year-old Native American male. The patient presented with fevers, fatigue, abdominal pain and renal failure and was found to have acute left-sided staphylococcal endocarditis. He subsequently developed small bowel perforation and purpuric rash. Initially he was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and small bowel resection. However, resolution of HSP and the associated signs and symptoms was only achieved after treatment with oral steroids and plasmapheresis.