[Eosinophilic fasciitis: its relationship with L-tryptophan ingestion]

The tryptophan ingestion has recently been involved in the etiology of the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. The common findings shared by eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) and that syndrome has suggested a possible role of tryptophan consumption in the development of both diseases. We report two cases of EF whose onset was likely attributed to tryptophan ingestion. Healing was achieved in both patients: the first one had a spontaneous remission and the second patient received glucocorticoid treatment. The EF pathogenesis is yet unknown as the tryptophan role involved in its development. It is likely that tryptophan could release some metabolic factor that support the patient propensity to this illness. It is remarkable to search for the possible tryptophan ingestion in every patient who presents a sclerodermiform syndrome, particularly in EF patients.