Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
09:23

Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model

Published on: July 29, 2012

Evolution to dilated cardiomyopathy from acute eosinophilic pancarditis in Churg-Strauss syndrome

F Terasaki1, T Hayashi, Y Hirota

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Japan.

Heart and Vessels
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Churg-Strauss syndrome can cause severe heart damage, progressing to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Histopathology reveals eosinophilic endomyocarditis, fibrosis, and thrombi, suggesting DCM may result from hypereosinophilic heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pathology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Churg-Strauss syndrome, also known as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, is a rare systemic vasculitis characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, and multi-system involvement.
  • Cardiac involvement is a serious complication of Churg-Strauss syndrome, often leading to poor prognosis.

Observation:

  • This case study details a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome who experienced severe acute cardiac manifestations.
  • The patient's condition evolved over 10 months, showing progression from acute eosinophilic endomyocarditis to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Findings:

  • Sequential endomyocardial biopsies demonstrated progressive histopathological changes: acute eosinophilic endomyocarditis, followed by interstitial fibrosis, and finally endocardial thickening with mural thrombi.
  • Despite steroid therapy reducing inflammation and eosinophil markers, left ventricular dilatation and reduced contractility persisted, indicating disease progression.

Implications:

  • These findings suggest that a subset of dilated cardiomyopathy cases may not be idiopathic but rather a consequence of hypereosinophilic heart disease.
  • This highlights the importance of considering Churg-Strauss syndrome in the differential diagnosis of DCM, especially in patients with a history of asthma and eosinophilia.

More Related Videos

Flow Cytometry-Based Quantification and Analysis of Myocardial B-Cells12:46

Flow Cytometry-Based Quantification and Analysis of Myocardial B-Cells

Published on: August 17, 2022

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis03:23

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...