Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic fasciitis: Report of two cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of the fascia with immune system involvement. Failure to promptly diagnose and treat this disease can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. However, no clear and uniform criteria for diagnosis and treatment exist. CASE SUMMARY In this paper, we report two cases of EF, both of which showed symmetrical limb swelling and rigidity, increased eosinophils in the peripheral blood and bone marrow, increased red blood cell sedimentation rate, increased antinuclear antibody titer, and pathological changes in the tissues such as eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration. Both patients were treated with hormones and cyclosporine, and showed significant improvements in their conditions. CONCLUSION EF is an autoimmune disease causing swelling and sclerosis of the fascia and eosinophilia. It is diagnosable by magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, blood routine tests, and bone marrow puncture. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are effective treatments.