[Eosinophilic fasciitis]

We describe 4 patients with clinical and pathologic features of eosinophilic fasciitis showing serologic and systemic abnormalities. Biopsies and blood samples were taken and differentiation is made to raise the question of the fundamental nature and the relationship of eosinophilic fasciitis to scleroderma. The term eosinophilic fasciitis is chosen because of the distinct histologic changes occurring in the deep fascia and prominence of eosinophils in the inflammatory reaction. Therapeutic response to steroids is good. Despite the good prognosis in all cases prolonged follow-up is necessary.