Adult Schönlein-Henoch purpura associated with epidermoid carcinoma of the lung

Background: Association between Schönlein-Henoch purpura and neoplasm can suggest the responsibility of tumour antigens in the genesis of the vasculitis. We report a new case of squamous cell carcinoma associated with Schönlein-Henoch purpura and we discuss the reality of this association.

Methods: We report the case of a 50-year-old man who presents Schönlein-Henoch purpura with a purpura of lower limbs, joint involvement, gastrointestinal lesions and IgA renal mesangial deposits. The patient received three intravenous methylprednisolone pulses followed with oral corticosteroids. Six months later, while the vasculitis was in remission, the patient presented a squamous cell lung carcinoma. He was treated by chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. At the late follow-up, the neoplasm was incompletely resolved.

Conclusions: The neoplasm could be responsible of the development of the Schönlein-Henoch purpura. The discovery of this systemic vasculitis in an elderly patient should warrant a deep screening for an occult neoplasm.