Urinary microscopy in the diagnosis of haematuria in Schönlein-Henoch purpura.

A 5.5-year-old boy with Schönlein-Henoch purpura presented flank pain, macroscopic haematuria and voiding of blood clots. Radiologic examination showed a stenosing ureteritis. Treatment with prednisone was accompanied by resolution of the urologic manifestations. Ureteritis is a potentially serious complication of Schönlein-Henoch purpura and its incidence is probably underestimated. Less than half of the reported patients have had symptoms suggesting a urologic complication. Microscopic examination of the urinary sediment can be helpful for the precocious diagnosis of ureteritis in the Schönlein-Henoch purpura.