[Churg-Strauss syndrome].

Churg-Strauss syndrome (allergic granulomatous angiitis) was described by Churg, J. and Strauss, L. in 1951 and was classified as a definite form of systemic vasculitis which was separated from classical periarteritis nodosa and other forms of necrotising angiitis by Zeek, P.M. in 1953. This disease is characterized pathologically by granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis associated with infiltration of eosinophils in multiple organs, particularly the lungs. The characteristic clinical and laboratory findings of the disease, which are helpful for obtaining definitive diagnosis, include severe asthmatic attacks, the presence of multiple pulmonary infiltrates, skin lesions, marked peripheral eosinophilia, elevation of serum IgE. Patients with the disease also complain of nonspecific symptoms such as fever, general malaise, anorexia and weight loss. Steroid therapy is usually effective for the disease. A representative case of Churg-Strauss syndrome is also presented.