Churg-Strauss vasculitis and ascaris infection

Article Abstract:

Churg-Strauss vasculitis is a rare disease of unknown cause, and is characterized by eosinophilia (an increase in eosinophils, a granular white blood cell in the blood and tissues) and severe vasculitis (inflammation of blood and lymph vessels). This disorder has been associated with allergic disorders such as asthma or rhinitis (the inflammation of the mucosa in the nose). The most frequent cause of eosinophilia is parasitic infections, most commonly by helminths (parasitic worms). The larvae of the parasitic worms may travel by way of the blood vessels to the lungs and contribute to the development of asthma. Vasculitis resulting from parasitic infection has not been previously reported. A case is described of a 55-year-old man with Churg-Strauss vasculitis resulting from infection of the biliary tract (the organ and ducts containing bile) by the parasitic worm ascaris. The patient had typical symptoms of Churg-Strauss vasculitis such as asthma, eosinophilia, nerve inflammation, and increased levels of the immune protein, immunoglobulin E (IgE). He also developed liver abnormalities such as jaundice. Despite treatment with cyclophosphamide, prednisolone, and mebendazole, the patient continued to have intermittent fevers indicating infection and obstruction of the bile ducts. It is possible that eosinophilia and increased IgE levels resulting from parasitic worm infection may lead to the development of vasculitis. The potential disease processes that cause vasculitis are described. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Parasitic diseases, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Ascaris

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Isolated nail fold vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

The risk of death does not seem to be higher for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and nail fold vasculitis (NFV) compared to those with RA and systemic rheumatoid vasculitis (SRV). Patients with NFV develop sores around the fingernails and toenails while SRV affects the blood vessels throughout the body. Researchers studied the medical records of 30 patients with RA who also had NFV but no evidence of SRV. They compared these patients' disease activity and survival data with a group of patients with RA and SRV over a 22 month period. Three of the patients with RA and NFV died (10%) as compared to 27% of the patients with RA and SRV. Vessel disease appeared to be the cause of death in only one of the three patients. Further complications of RA, including inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and dryness of the mouth developed in six additional patients with RA and NFV.

Development and progression, Rheumatoid arthritis, Nail manifestations of general diseases, Nail manifestations

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Systemic vasculitis: epidemiology, classification and environmental factors

Article Abstract:

Research has shown that environmental and genetic factors may be involved in systemic vasculitis. Systemic vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels in many parts of the body.

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