IgA vasculitis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyVasculitisIgA vasculitisSCE Rheumatology

A 19-year-old man develops palpable purpura over both legs, ankle arthralgia and colicky abdominal pain after an upper respiratory infection. Urinalysis shows microscopic haematuria and mild proteinuria. Platelets are normal and skin biopsy shows leukocytoclastic vasculitis with IgA deposition. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — IgA vasculitis

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as D · B = shown as E

IgA vasculitis is best because palpable purpura, arthralgia, abdominal pain and IgA deposition with renal involvement indicate IgA vasculitis. A is less suitable because meningococcaemia is an acute septic illness; B is less suitable because immune thrombocytopenia causes petechiae with low platelets rather than palpable purpura and IgA deposition; C is less suitable because APS causes thrombosis rather than IgA vasculitis; D is less suitable because AAV usually has pauci-immune histology and ANCA features. Clinical pearl: adult IgA vasculitis needs renal monitoring because nephritis can be clinically important.

Reference: Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology; EULAR vasculitis recommendations