[Polyarthralgia, fever and purpura in a patient known to have splenomegaly].

A 43-year-old patient was admitted for swollen and painful ankles, knees and elbows, palpable purpura of the lower extremities and fever. Splenomegaly had been diagnosed 5 years previously. At clinical workup, spleen and liver size were increased and purplish papular skin lesions were noted above the ankles. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 2 mm/h. ASAT and ALAT as well as rheumatoid factor were moderately elevated. Serology was positive for hepatitis C. Differential diagnosis of palpable purpura and complementary diagnostic procedures are discussed.