Eosinophilic fasciitis after parasite infection

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare systemic inflammatory disease.
• It presents with symmetrical swelling and skin induration, resembling scleroderma, and is associated with peripheral blood eosinophilia.
• The etiology of eosinophilic fasciitis is poorly understood, with corticosteroids being the standard treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unique case of eosinophilic fasciitis.
• To explore a potential association between eosinophilic fasciitis and intestinal parasitic infection.
• To discuss the management of this rare condition with an uncommon etiology.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a male patient with palpebral edema and eosinophilia.
• Diagnosis involved exclusion of parasitic infection, followed by skin and muscle biopsy.
• Treatment included antiparasitic drugs, corticosteroids, and methotrexate, with long-term monitoring.

Main Results:

• The patient was initially diagnosed with intestinal parasitic infection but symptoms persisted after antiparasitic treatment.
• Skin and muscle biopsy confirmed eosinophilic fasciitis.
• The patient's condition improved with corticosteroids and methotrexate, and no active disease is currently evident.

Conclusions:

• This case suggests a possible association or coexistence of eosinophilic fasciitis with parasitic infection.
• It highlights an uncommon cause for eosinophilic fasciitis, differing from typical triggers like trauma or medication.
• The successful management with corticosteroids and methotrexate underscores their role in treating eosinophilic fasciitis, regardless of etiology.