Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection and Henoch-Schonlein purpura with cardiac, renal and neurological complications.

A 6-year-old girl had a group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal (GABS) throat infection and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). The clinical course was complicated by nephrotic syndrome due to crescentic glomerulonephritis, transient neurological symptoms due to focal ischaemia of the brain, and congestive cardiac failure due to myocarditis. The clinical presentation highlights the diversity of systemic involvement in HSP, the transient nature of apparently serious central nervous system involvement, and a possible role of GABS in its aetiology.