The T-lymphocyte and cutaneous Churg-Strauss granuloma

Studies of biopsy specimens from 4 patients with Churg-Strauss granulomas of the skin were performed with monoclonal antibodies to T-lymphocyte subset antigens. The finding of a predominance of a LEU3 antibody-reactive helper T-cell population in the perivascular areas and in the palisading and central granuloma areas was noteworthy. Pronounced reduction of suppressor T-cells in the lesions was observed in 2 patients; the lesions were associated with vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis in one patient and with vasculitis and lupus erythematosus in the other. The Churg-Strauss granuloma demonstrated features of a cutaneous helper T-cell granuloma.