Eosinophilic fasciitis associated with L-tryptophan ingestion.

OBJECTIVE

To present the first case of eosinophilic fasciitis associated with L-tryptophan ingestion.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 23-year-old Australian man developed myalgia and weakness, and later the clinical features of eosinophilic fasciitis, while taking L-tryptophan.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The amino acid supplementation was discontinued and he was treated with prednisone (30 mg/day) for six weeks with significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

In sclerodermatous skin diseases, such as eosinophilic fasciitis, the possibility of ingestion of tryptophan-containing products should be considered.