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Eosinophilic fasciitis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
H M Markusse1, B A Dijkmans, W E Fibbe
1Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) can develop after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. This condition, distinct from chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), responded well to low-dose prednisone treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a curative therapy for acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML).
- Post-transplant complications, including graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), can occur.
- Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting connective tissues.
Observation:
- A patient developed eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) eight months after undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML).
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a connective tissue disorder post-BMT.
- A skin-muscle-fascia biopsy was performed for diagnostic purposes.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the biopsy revealed characteristic fascial changes diagnostic of EF.
- These findings differentiated EF from chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), another potential post-BMT complication.
- The patient showed a positive clinical response to low-dose prednisone therapy.
Implications:
- Distinguishing EF from chronic GVHD post-BMT is crucial for appropriate management.
- EF following BMT may be more common than previously recognized.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of EF with low-dose corticosteroids can lead to favorable outcomes, potentially avoiding more aggressive immunosuppression required for GVHD.