[Severe gastrointestinal manifestations of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in adults (author's transl)].

Two cases of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in adults are reported. Both patients presented with severe digestive symptoms suggesting malabsorption or exudative enteropathy. Roentgenological examinations showed marked anomalies of the small intestine as well as changes suggestive in intra-mural hematoma located in the stomach in one case and in the duodenum in the other. Hypoalbuminemia occurred in both patients during the course of the disease and was highly suggestive of protein-loosing enteropathy. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was seen in one patient. Both patients recovered from their gastrointestinal disease. Roentgenologic changes disappeared in one case; in the other, marked compression and distension of the duodenum were still visible six months after onset.