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Peter F. Weller, MD; Ann M. Dvorak, MD

Arch Dermatol. 1996;132(5):583-585.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

THE IDIOPATHIC hypereosinophilic syndrome represents a leukoproliferative process likely caused by a number of disorders, all of which are marked by sustained overproduction of eosinophils.¹ In addition to the hallmark eosinophilia, this syndrome is distinctive because of its predilection for damaging specific organs, including the heart. The consequent endomyocardial fibrosis is not restricted to the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome; identical cardiac damage may develop with eosinophilias secondary to other diseases with identifiable causes. Notably, not all patients with hypereosinophilia develop the organ damage characteristic of the hypereosinophilic syndrome. No specific tests are diagnostic of the hypereosinophilic syndrome; rather, the syndrome is defined by the combination of unexplained prolonged eosinophilia and evidence of organ involvement.

DEFINITION OF THE SYNDROME

From analyses of eosinophilic patients referred to the National Institutes of Health and other reported cases of hypereosinophilic syndrome, Chusid and colleagues² in 1975 identified the three defining features of the . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
Infectious Disease Division Department of Medicine Beth Israel Hospital Dana 617 330 Brookline Ave Boston, MA 02215; Boston

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