Juvenile eosinophilic fasciitis: three case reports with review of the literature

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2016 May-Jun;34(3):527-30. Epub 2016 May 30.

Abstract

Objectives: Eosinophilic fasciitis is an uncommon scleroderma-like disorder characterised by induration and thickening of skin and soft tissue, usually associated with peripheral eosinophilia, poorly characterised in childhood.

Methods: We report 3 paediatric cases of eosinophilic fasciitis showing unusual clinical and histopathological features with a review of the literature.

Results: All cases presented progressive motility impairment started from upper limbs with no skin abnormalities. All cases showed systemic inflammatory involvement and 2 patients had acute complications. Two patients developed disabling outcomes despite appropriate treatments.

Conclusions: Eosinophilic fasciitis may present unusual clinical and histopathological features during childhood and requires early recognition in order to prevent acute complications and disabling outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Child, Preschool
  • Contracture* / diagnosis
  • Contracture* / etiology
  • Contracture* / prevention & control
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia* / blood
  • Eosinophilia* / complications
  • Eosinophilia* / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia* / physiopathology
  • Eosinophilia* / therapy
  • Fascia / pathology*
  • Fasciitis* / blood
  • Fasciitis* / complications
  • Fasciitis* / diagnosis
  • Fasciitis* / physiopathology
  • Fasciitis* / therapy
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methotrexate

Supplementary concepts

  • Eosinophilic Fasciitis