Immunoglobulin‐A vasculitis manifesting as edema in the scalp, face, and sternocleidomastoid muscle

Abstract

Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV) is a leukocytoclastic, immune complex-mediated, small-vessel vasculitis characterized by the predominance of IgA deposits in the vessel walls. IgAV mainly affects children and typically demonstrates palpable purpura and edema in the legs, polyarthritis, abdominal angina, and nephritis. 1 Subcutaneous edema in the scalp and face has been occasionally reported in children with IgAV 2-4 ; however, it is rare in adults. Muscle involvement in IgAV is an uncommon symptom and typically occurs in the lower extremities. [5][6][7][8] We herein report an adult patient with IgAV presenting with edema in the face, scalp, and sternocleidomastoid muscle.