Eosinophilic fasciitis: report of 15 cases

Clinical and histopathologic features of 15 cases of diffuse fasciitis with eosinophilia are reviewed. The patients experienced an inflammatory scleroderma-like illness without Raynaud's phenomenon or internal organ involvement. Polyarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome were observed. The clinical courses demonstrated the potential for spontaneous remission, relapse, and late recurrence. Histopathologic features are discussed, as is their relationship to other forms of localized scleroderma. None of the 12 patients treated with corticosteroids has had complete resolution of the skin changes after a median follow-up of 10 months. Unusual associated diseases--acute myelomonocytic leukemia and an evolving myeloproliferative disorder--were observed in two patients.