[Churg-Strauss syndrome]

Abstract

In a 47-year-old man presenting with chronic bronchitis since 1978, a weight loss of 11 kg in 9 months and deteriorated general condition, the x-ray film of the thorax revealed numerous pulmonary nodules of up to 4 cm size. Laboratory findings were characterised by enhanced ESR, blood eosinophilia of 7% and a lot of eosinophilic granulocytes in the sputum. The findings could not be clarified despite many additional examinations including bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy. Thoracotomy was finally considered imperative. Pulmonary biopsy revealed necrotising vasculitis, eosinophilic infiltration and epithelioid granuloma, characteristic changes of allergic granulomatous vasculitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome). The condition quickly responded to corticosteroid administration.