Lysandra Anis

Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia

Abstract Title:

Beyond the Purpura: Pleural effusion in a child with IgA vasculitis

Biography:

Lysandra Anis is a Paediatric Registrar undertaking specialist paediatric training at Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia. She is passionate about family-centered care and medical education, with a particular enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring medical students. Dr Anis has a special interest in paediatric oncology and has previously been involved in sarcoma research at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Research Interests:

IgA vasculitis (Henoch–Schönlein purpura) is the most common childhood vasculitis and is characterized by palpable purpura, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and renal involvement. Pulmonary manifestations are rare and are not typically considered part of its clinical spectrum. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy who re-presented to the emergency department with new-onset chest pain shortly after discharge from a general paediatric ward, where he had been diagnosed with IgA vasculitis. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated bilateral pleural effusions, which were managed conservatively with close observation. Given this atypical presentation, rheumatology input was sought to broaden the differential diagnosis and guide further investigation. A skin biopsy subsequently confirmed IgA vasculitis; however, persistent elevation of the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio prompted nephrology involvement and planning for a renal biopsy. While IgA vasculitis is typically recognised by its cutaneous, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and renal manifestations, this case highlights a rare pulmonary presentation with pleural effusions. It underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis and avoiding diagnostic anchoring when clinical features fall outside the expected disease spectrum. Early multidisciplinary involvement can facilitate timely investigation, monitoring, and management of atypical presentations.