Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Churg–Strauss syndrome is a rare autoimmune vasculitis associated with asthma and elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood (eosinophilia). Patients with this condition often have perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) directed against myeloperoxidase. These autoantibodies are also commonly found in other vasculitis-related diseases, including glomerulonephritis.

Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment for Churg–Strauss syndrome. Cardiac involvement during the course of the disease may lead to severe complications and can be life-threatening.

Typically, patients are first diagnosed with asthma, while tissue eosinophilia and vasculitis develop gradually over the following years. In some cases, the syndrome may be triggered by the use of antibiotics.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology