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IgAV Intussusception GI Complication — ESENeph MCQ

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ModerateRenal VasculitisIgAV Intussusception GI ComplicationESENeph

A 40-year-old man with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (IgA vasculitis) has severe abdominal pain with bloody stools. CT shows small bowel wall thickening. He also has haematuria and proteinuria 2.5 g/day. His eGFR is 65. What GI complication should be monitored for?

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Correct answer: D — Intussusception – the most common GI surgical complication of IgAV, particularly in children but also in adults; other GI complications include bowel ischaemia and perforation

GI involvement in IgA vasculitis can cause abdominal pain (vasculitis of mesenteric vessels), GI haemorrhage, and intussusception (most common GI surgical emergency, particularly ileo-ileal). Bowel wall oedema from vasculitis creates a lead point for intussusception. CT or ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis. Other serious GI complications include bowel ischaemia, perforation, and protein-losing enteropathy. GI symptoms should be taken seriously and surgical review arranged if there is any concern about acute abdomen.

Reference: KDIGO 2025 – IgAN/IgAV; NICE – Vasculitis