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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
[A CASE OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS WHO HAS DEVELOPED EOSINOPHILIC PNEUMONIA, FOLLOWED BY EOSINOPHILIC CELLULITIS]
Hiroaki Kume1,2, Manabu Uematsu2, Hikaru Tomita2
1Center for Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Nogami Hospital.
Abstract:
A-68-year-old man, who has allergic rhinitis with peripheral blood eosinophilia, hospitalized because of fever of unknown origin in May 2020. Five days after antibiotics were given, itchy exanthema occurred, followed by gland glass opacity on both lungs with bilateral pleural effusions. Since acute respiratory failure developed, bronchoscopy was hard to carry out. However, this case was considered acute eosinophilic pneumonia induced by antibiotics, based on radiological findings and laboratory data. Therefore, steroid pulse therapy using intravenous administration of methylprednisolone started, and this therapy was effective. Since these chest shadows and hypoxia were disappeared in two weeks, the amount of steroid was gradually reduced, however, eosinophilic pneumonia recurred once during this course. After discharge in June 2020, this patient came to the outpatient department. When oral administration of prednisolone was decreased less than 2.5mg/day, redness and swelling with slight itch were appeared in the left forearm in September 2020. Histological findings from shin biopsy showed that eosinophils excessively invade to the dermis without angiitis. Although flame figure was not observed in the specimen, we considered that this case has developed eosinophilic cellulitis, based on the clinical manifestation and pathological findings. When prednisolone was increased to 30mg/day, these symptoms were improved, and then prednisolone was gradually reduced. After that, recurrences of these diseases did not occur during the observation period. This case may be diagnosed as hypereosinophilic syndrome since eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilic cellulitis caused continuously by recruitment of eosinophils to lung and skin.
Insights
A 68-year-old man developed acute eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilic cellulitis, likely triggered by antibiotics. Steroid therapy proved effective in managing these conditions, suggesting hypereosinophilic syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Dermatology
Background:
- A 68-year-old man with allergic rhinitis and peripheral blood eosinophilia presented with fever of unknown origin.
- The patient developed an itchy rash and bilateral lung opacities with pleural effusions after antibiotic administration.
Observation:
- Acute respiratory failure necessitated treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, which was effective.
- Eosinophilic pneumonia recurred during steroid dose reduction, indicating a relapsing course.
- Upon oral steroid tapering, the patient developed eosinophilic cellulitis on the left forearm, confirmed by skin biopsy showing dermal eosinophil infiltration.
Findings:
- The case presented with sequential manifestations of acute eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilic cellulitis.
- Histopathological findings of skin biopsy supported the diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis.
- The patient's condition responded well to high-dose corticosteroid therapy, with subsequent gradual reduction and monitoring.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for antibiotic-induced eosinophilic lung and skin diseases.
- The presentation suggests a possible diagnosis of hypereosinophilic syndrome due to continuous eosinophil recruitment.
- Effective management involved prompt diagnosis and corticosteroid therapy, emphasizing the importance of considering eosinophilic disorders in unexplained inflammatory conditions.
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