Eosinophilic fasciitis: extracutaneous manifestations and associations.

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is diagnosed by the presence of characteristic alterations in the skin, fascia, and peripheral blood. Direct extension of the fascial inflammation may lead to involvement of the tendons, synovium, and muscle. Visceral changes similar to those seen in localized and systemic scleroderma may occur in the esophagus, lung and heart. Autoimmune phenomena may account for the thyroid and hematologic diseases which may also develop in EF.