Eosinophilic fasciitis: a clinicopathologic study

Abstract

Eosinophilic fasciitis is a syndrome characterized by induration of the skin, peripheral eosinophilia and a good clinical response to corticosteroid therapy. A skin biopsy specimen from a 69 yr old man who died 4 mo. after diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis showed that vessel walls in the fascia were invaded by inflammatory cells; endothelial cell proliferation appeared to lead to obliteration of the lumen. No evidence of internal organ involvement was noted at postmortem examination. Although cutaneous vasculitis may play a role in this disorder, lack of visceral involvement and generally benign course of the disease apparently dictate conservative therapy.