Multiple cerebral infarctions in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome

J Neurol. 2010 Apr;257(4):678-80. doi: 10.1007/s00415-009-5439-1. Epub 2010 Jan 3.

Abstract

Neurological manifestation of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is common and usually consists of peripheral neuropathy due to small-vessel vasculitis, while cerebral manifestation is less frequent. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with multiple cerebral infarctions and hypereosinophilia. The presence of hypereosinophilia, asthma, sinusitis and vasculitis led to the diagnosis of CSS. As cerebral infarctions occurred monophasically and an elevation of heart enzymes was present, we assumed cardiac involvement and multiple cerebral infarctions due to cardiac embolism. Treatment with high-dose IV methylprednisone and cyclophosphamide pulses led to significant improvement. This case illustrates multiple cerebral infarctions in CSS. CSS should always be considered in patients with hypereosinophilia and stroke.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology*
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / complications*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Female
  • Humans