Churg-Strauss Syndrome (cont.)
How is Churg-Strauss syndrome diagnosed?
Churg-Strauss syndrome is suggested when the symptoms described above occur in a patient with a history of asthma.
Abnormalities of the lungs, skin, and nerves might be noted by the
doctor during the examination. Blood pressure can be elevated.
Blood examination generally shows elevated levels of an uncommon
white blood cell, called an eosinophil, and other white blood cells are
also elevated in number.
Kidney function blood tests and urinalysis can be abnormal when the kidneys are affected (which is not common).
If the lungs are inflamed, the chest x-ray
image or CT scan of the chest can demonstrate areas of inflammation.
The ultimate test for the diagnosis is a biopsy of involved tissue, which demonstrates a characteristic pattern
of inflammation visible under a microscope. Eosinophil are also seen accumulated in the abnormal tissue.
How is Churg-Strauss syndrome treated?
The treatment of patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome is directed
toward both immediately quieting the inflammation of the blood
vessels (vasculitis) and suppressing the immune system. Treatment
usually includes high doses of cortisone-related medication (such as
prednisone or prednisolone)
to calm the inflammation and suppression of the active immune system with cyclophosphamide
(Cytoxan).
Traditionally, cyclophosphamide has been given for a year or more in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome.
In a research study, Churg-Strauss syndrome patients did equally well if treated with cyclophosphamide for 6 or for 12 months.
This study suggests that doctors might now be able to recommend a shorter (and, therefore, less toxic) course of Cytoxan for patients with
Churg-Strauss syndrome.
Next: What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome? »
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