Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis) developing after postoperative wound infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) (IgA vasculitis) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis associated with IgA1-dominant immune deposits, which may affect the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys [1]. Purpura, arthritis and abdominal pain are known to be the classical triad of HSP, however the prognosis predominantly depends on the degree of renal involvement. A variety of factors, such as infection and drugs, have been associated with the pathogenesis of HSP [1,2]. Although it is well documented that HSP occurs frequently following upper respiratory tract streptococcal infection [3], most cases have no direct link to streptococcal infection [2]. In this report, we describe a case of HSP with renal failure, associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a postoperative wound after coronary artery bypass surgery.