A rare case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis complicated with progressive pericardial effusion

Abstract

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), or Churg Strauss syndrome, is a multisystem disorder that is characterized by allergic rhinitis, asthma, and prominent blood eosinophilia [1][2][3][4][5]. The prevalence of EGPA in Japan has been reported to be 17.8/1,000,000. The commonly involved organs are the peripheral nervous system and lungs, followed by the skin. However, EGPA can affect any organ system, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and central nervous systems. In general, most patients with EGPA achieve remission with glucocorticoid therapy alone in the absence of factors associated with a poor prognosis, including cardiac, renal, and/or central nervous system involvement [6]. Cardiac involvement is more serious in patients with EGPA, and this case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. We describe here a rare case of EGPA complicated with progressive pericardial effusion and discuss the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of EGPA. Case reportA 44-year-old woman presented at a nearby clinic with inspiratory chest pain one week before hospitalization. She had a 15-year history of bronchial asthma (with allergic rhinitis) which was well-controlled by inhaled corticosteroid. She was treated for sinusitis which was diagnosed based on fever, purulent nasal drainage, and facial pain 7 months before hospitalization, and was also treated with steroid ointment for unidentified limb eruption

Myopericarditis as a presentation of eosinophilic granulomatosus with polyangiitis (EGPA)

“…Commonly involved organ systems include the nervous system, lungs and skin. However, EGPA can affect almost any part of the body, including the cardiovascular system 6…”