How is Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) diagnosed?

Clinically via the presence of the following tetrad:

  • palpable purpura without thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy

  • arthralgia

  • abdominal pain

  • renal disease


In patients with an incomplete or unusual presentation, biopsy of the affected organ (ie skin, kidney) demonstrating predominantly IgA deposition supports the diagnosis.

Source

Dedeoglu, F. MD et al. "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of HSP." Up to Date. May 2008. <http://www.uptodate.com>