Hypereosinophilia: a rare cause of stroke and multiorgan dysfunction

Eosinophilia can occur due to a plethora of allergic, infective, neoplastic and idiopathic conditions. Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is characterised by sustained eosinophilia and multiorgan dysfunction in the absence of an identifiable cause. It may range from a self-limiting condition to a rapidly progressive life-threatening disorder, of which ischaemic stroke is a rare presentation. Such episodes can rarely be the presenting manifestation, and may develop before any other laboratory abnormality or organ involvement. We report a case of HES presented with multiorgan (neurological and renal) involvement, managed successfully with steroids and cytoreductive therapy. High initial absolute eosinophil count can be a clue to the diagnosis and early treatment should be initiated in such patients, to prevent fatal outcomes.