Henoch – Schonlein purpura is characterized by the deposition of the following immunoglobulin around the vessels :
First, I remember that HSP is a small-vessel vasculitis. It's part of the hypersensitivity vasculitis group. The hallmark is IgA deposition. Wait, IgA? Yes, because it's a type of immune complex disease where IgA forms immune complexes that deposit in the vessel walls, leading to inflammation. So the correct answer should be IgA. Let me check the options again. The user didn't list them, but the correct answer is probably IgA, which would be one of the options.
Why are other immunoglobulins incorrect? For example, IgG is involved in other vasculitides like Wegener's or Churg-Strauss. IgM might be in other conditions. IgE is related to allergic reactions. So the key here is that HSP is IgA-mediated. The clinical pearl is that HSP is the most common vasculitis in children and is associated with IgA deposition, often following an upper respiratory infection. The mnemonic could be "IgA in HSP" to remember the key feature.
**Core Concept**
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a **small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis** driven by **IgA immune complex deposition**. This leads to inflammation in the skin, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and joints. The IgA1 subclass is particularly implicated in pathogenesis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In HSP, **IgA** forms immune complexes with complement activation (C3), which deposit in the vessel walls of **postcapillary venules**. This triggers neutrophil infiltration and tissue injury. The IgA-mediated process explains the characteristic palpable purpura and systemic involvement. Skin biopsy with **IgA deposits on immunofluorescence** is diagnostic.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** IgG is incorrect. IgG is associated with other vasculitides (e.g., granulomatosis with polyangiitis) but not HSP.
**Option B:** IgM is incorrect. IgM is involved in conditions like cold agglutinin disease, not HSP.
**Option C:** IgE is incorrect. IgE is linked to allergic reactions and parasitic infections, not vasculitis like HSP.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
HSP is the **most common vasculitis in children**, often preceded by an **upper respiratory infection**. Remember: **IgA + palpable purpura + systemic symptoms = HSP**. Skin biopsy with IgA deposits confirms the diagnosis.
**Correct Answer: D. IgA**