Henoch-Sch$ddot{o}$nlein purpura is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that is probably related to an autoimmune phenomenon. Henoch-Sch$ddot{o}$nlein purpura is characterized by a purpuric rash, arthralgia, nephritis, and gastrointestinal manifestations. We reviewed 169 children hospitalized with a diagnosis of Henoch-Sch$ddot{o}$nlein purpura between 1989 and 1998. One-hundred thirty-nine (82.2 %) had gastrointestinal findings including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal bleeding. Surgical consultations were obtained for ten children, and laparotomy was performed in five. Three children suspected of having appendicitis underwent appendectomy. None had appendicitis. One child thought to have been intestinal strangulation was found to have hemorrhagic edema of the proximal jejunum and of the distal ileum. Another child underwent resection for an hemorrhagic infarct of the distal ileum. A high index of suspicion of this disease entity in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in children can avoid unnecessary laparotomy in most cases. However, life-threatening gastrointestinal complications may occur in low percentage of cases. Prompt recognition and adequate radiologic evaluation of the abdominal manifestation of this entity is necessary for early surgical intervention.