churg-strauss syndrome

Question 1

who gets this disease?

Answer 1

middle-aged with a history of new onset or newly worsening asthma. distribution is equal

Question 2

classic signs and symptoms

Answer 2

asthma is a cardinal feature. early signs are nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis. next is eosinophilia. then vasculitis. this involves tingling, numbness, shooting pains, severe muscle wasting.

Question 3

what are the bare facts?

Answer 3

someone with asthma, peripheral neuropathy, eosinophilia, transient pulmonary infiltrates, paranasal sinus abnormality, biopsy of a blood vessel that contains extravascular eosinophils.
40-60 have p-ANCA.

Question 4

worst cases

Answer 4

hypergammaglobinemia, eosinophilic infiltration of the lungs with giant cell reaction leading to granulomatous, necrotic center, inflammation.

Question 5

what if untreated

Answer 5

death

Question 6

treatment

Answer 6

prednisone often in combination with methotrexate or cyclophosphamide.

Question 7

which vessels are affected?

Answer 7

small and medium vessels