A Case of Adult-Onset IgA Vasculitis in a Cirrhotic Patient

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV; formerly called Henoch-Schönlein purpura) is a disease commonly seen in children as an immune reaction after a viral infection. It is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by immune complex deposits in various organs throughout the body. It mainly affects the skin, joints, abdomen and kidneys. This presentation is less likely to be seen in adults. In adults, IgAV can be seen due to decreased clearance of immune complexes through the liver. A damaged liver due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis can hinder the clearance of IgA complexes. We present an unusual case of a 42-year-old female who presented with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and ascites and later developed a purpuric rash in her lower extremities.