Leucocytoclastic vasculitis (hypersensitivity angiitis) of the small bowel presenting with severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

A case of leucocytoclastic vasculitis involving the entire small bowel is reported. A high index of suspicion and recognition of the early palpable purpuric skin lesions in patients with acute abdominal pain and gastrointestinal hemorrhage might avert unnecessary surgical exploration in some patients.