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Elevated troponins and the Churg-Strauss syndrome: a case report
Joseph Zaky1, Chris Caraang, Roger Yu
1Department of Medicine, Sylmar, California 91342-1495, USA.
Insights
Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) can cause elevated troponins and multi-organ damage, mimicking cardiac events. Early diagnosis and corticosteroid treatment are crucial for managing this eosinophilic condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Elevated troponin levels with normal ischemic work-up present a diagnostic challenge.
- Eosinophilia can be associated with various conditions, including cardiac involvement.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman presented with recurrent chest pain, elevated troponins, and persistent eosinophilia.
- Her condition progressed to multi-organ abnormalities, including asthma and vasculitis, leading to a Churg-Strauss syndrome diagnosis.
Findings:
- Corticosteroid initiation rapidly resolved symptoms and normalized troponin and eosinophil levels.
- Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) was identified as the cause of cardiac and systemic manifestations.
Implications:
- Consider Churg-Strauss syndrome in the differential diagnosis of unexplained eosinophilia with cardiac involvement.
- Early detection and treatment of CSS are vital to prevent severe multi-organ damage and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
In a patient with persistently elevated troponin levels but normal ischemic work-up, a diagnostic dilemma can ensue. This is the case of a 65-year-old woman whose only cardiac risk factor was age. She presented repeatedly with chest pain, elevated troponins, and consistently elevated eosinophil levels until the fourth admission when she presented with multi-organ abnormalities including asthma and vasculitis that led to the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). Initiation of corticosteroids immediately resolved all of her presenting symptoms; troponin and eosinophil levels quickly normalized. Eosinophilia from CSS can lead to multi-organ damage including the heart. Therefore, one must consider CSS in the differential of eosinophilia as early detection and treatment may be critical in decreasing morbidity and mortality.
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