Bowel perforations in a patient affected by Churg-Strauss syndrome under high-dose steroid treatment: will alternative drugs reduce risk of surgery?

Abstract

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a relapsing-remitting vasculitis that frequently involves digestive system. Ischemic perforation of the large bowel is relatively rare and potentially life threatening. We report a case treated with high dose of steroids for a relapsing of Churg-Strauss vasculopathy that underwent emergency surgery for multiple large-bowel perforations. Massive use of steroids is common for controlling relapse of this disease, but this increases the risk of intestinal perforation. A prompt switching to alternative drugs when intestinal tract is involved should be considered in order to prevent surgery.