Churg-Strauss syndrome presenting as polymiositis: report of a case

Abstract

We reported the case of a male patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) heralding as symptoms typical of polymiositis. During high-dose cortisone therapy (1.5 mg/kg/day), he developed a severe multiplex mononeuritis, poorly responsive to immunoglobulins and methotrexate administration. After 6 months he developed a partial deficiency of the right sciatic popliteus and the radial nerves. Sural nerve biopsy showed a characteristic necrotizing vasculitis of the epineural vessels with granulocyte and eosinophil infiltrates. In the course of CSS, peripheral nervous system involvement is frequent and can lead to disability. For this reason, it must be promptly recognized and properly treated.