[Atypical onset of Churg and Strauss syndrome in a child]

Abstract

We report the case of a 13-year-old boy who had been treated since the age of 6 for moderate asthma. Except asthma, his past medical history was uneventful. The patient was referred for the sudden onset of bilateral leg edemas with peripheral purpuric lesions. Blood tests showed increased blood eosinophilia (9000/mm(3)) with no fever. The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were negative. The skin biopsy showed extensive ischemic subcutaneous necrosis related to necrotizing vasculitis. The general secondary symptoms occurred with multiorgan involvement (pulmonary infiltrates, peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and arthralgia). Genital infiltration was also noted. The child's general health was preserved. Neither cardiac nor renal involvement were found. The patient showed favorable clinical progression after oral prednisone therapy.