FACTS ENCODED — HSP vs. Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis

- HSP: also known as IgA vasculitis, small vessel disease, palpable purpura + hematuria + arthralgias + abdominal (GI) pain, caused by IgA deposition, follows recent URI/parvovirus/group A strep

- Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: small vessel disease, same triad minus GI pain, caused by underlying hepatitis C, treated by treating the Hep C

- Key differentiator:

GI pain present → HSP ·
GI pain absent → cryoglobulinemic/Hep C



TITLE: "Purpura, Pain, and Two Small Vessels"

LYRICS:
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, IgA vasculitis too,
A small vessel disease, listen closely to you,
Palpable purpura, hematuria as well,
Abdominal pain and arthralgias, the joints will tell.

IgA deposition, that's the underlying cause,
Recent URI before it, just before the pause,
Parvovirus, group A strep, take your pick,
Then all of a sudden, the patient gets sick.

GI pain is here, that's the clue,
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, IgA true,
Purpura, hematuria, arthralgias combined,
Abdominal pain right behind.
Small vessel disease, IgA deposits deep,
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, this one to keep.

Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis, hear it now,
A small vessel disease, take a bow,
Palpable purpura, hematuria the same,
Arthralgias aching, a familiar frame.

Hepatitis C, that's the underlying cause,
Cryoglobulins depositing, breaking the laws,
Skin and joints affected, deposits collect,
Treat the hepatitis, that's the correct effect.

No GI pain here, that's the clue,
Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis, Hep C true,
Purpura, hematuria, arthralgias combined,
But the belly pain, you will not find.
Small vessel disease, cryoglobulins deep,
Treat the Hepatitis C, that's the key to keep.

Both have purpura, both have joint pain,
Both hit small vessels, that's the same terrain,
GI pain present, IgA is the one,
No GI pain, Hepatitis C has won.

GI pain means Henoch-Schönlein, IgA true,
No GI pain means Cryoglobulinemic, Hep C too,
Purpura, hematuria, arthralgias combined,
The GI pain is what you keep in mind.