Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: Cutaneous clinical and histopathologic differential diagnosis

The role of eosinophils in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases

Eosinophils are known to be present in inflammatory skin diseases, but their diagnostic utility is not well established. Upon review of the published status of lesional eosinophils, several categories were identified. 1) Lesional eosinophils highly characteristic such that, in their absence, the pathologist may question the diagnosis. These include arthropod bite reactions and scabies, urticarial dermatitis, and other eosinophilic dermatoses. 2) Lesional eosinophils rare or absent, such that, in their presence, the pathologist may question the diagnosis. These include pityriasis lichenoides, graft versus host disease, and connective tissue disorders. 3) Lesional eosinophils variable and, while in some cases expected, are not required for diagnosis. These include drug reactions, atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. 4) Lesional eosinophils variable and not expected but may be seen to a limited extent. These include lichen planus and psoriasis.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: Latest Findings and Updated Treatment Recommendations

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) causes necrotizing vasculitis and eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation in small- to medium-sized vessels, resulting in multiple organ damage. EGPA is classified as an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, with myeloperoxidase-ANCA detected in approximately one-third of the patients. Conventional treatment of EGPA relies on systemic glucocorticoids (GCs) in combination with cyclophosphamide when poor prognostic factors are present; however, the dilemma between disease control and drug-related adverse effects has long been a challenge. Recent studies have revealed that the genetic background, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations differ between ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients; however, mepolizumab, an interleukin (IL)-5 inhibitor, is effective in both groups, suggesting that the IL-5-eosinophil axis is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of both ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative EGPA. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on the pathophysiology of EGPA and focuses on the roles of eosinophils and ANCA. We then introduce the current treatment recommendations and accumulated evidence for mepolizumab on EGPA. Based on current unmet clinical needs, we discuss potential future therapeutic strategies for EGPA.

Autoimmune Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Summary for Forensic Practice

Autoimmune heart disease is a non-random condition characterised by immune system-mediated aggression against cardiac tissue. Cardiac changes often exhibit nonspecific features and, if unrecognised, can result in fatal outcomes even among seemingly healthy young individuals. In the absence of reliable medical history, the primary challenge lies in differentiating between the various cardiopathies. Numerous immunohistochemical and genetic studies have endeavoured to characterise distinct types of cardiopathies, facilitating their differentiation during autopsy examinations. However, the presence of a standardised protocol that forensic pathologists can employ to guide their investigations would be beneficial. Hence, this summary aims to present the spectrum of autoimmune cardiopathies, including emerging insights such as SARS-CoV-2-induced cardiopathies, and proposes the utilisation of practical tools, such as blood markers, to aid forensic pathologists in their routine practice.

Evidence-Based Guideline for the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, characterized by asthma, eosinophilia and granulomatous or vasculitic involvement of several organs. The diagnosis and management of EGPA are often challenging and require an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Current practice relies on recommendations and guidelines addressing the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis and not specifically developed for EGPA. Here, we present evidence-based, cross-discipline guidelines for the diagnosis and management of EGPA that reflect the substantial advances that have been made in the past few years in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical subphenotypes and differential diagnosis of the disease, as well as the availability of new treatment options. Developed by a panel of European experts on the basis of literature reviews and, where appropriate, expert opinion, the 16 statements and five overarching principles cover the diagnosis and staging, treatment, outcome and follow-up of EGPA. These recommendations are primarily intended to be used by healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical industries and drug regulatory authorities, to guide clinical practice and decision-making in EGPA. These guidelines are not intended to limit access to medications by healthcare agencies, nor to impose a fixed order on medication use.

From Churg-Strauss Syndrome to Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Historical Review of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria

ABSTRACT

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is rare vasculitis syndrome that involves the skin and other organ systems manifesting as asthma, eosinophilia, and pulmonary infiltrates. The understanding of EGPA, previously known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, has continued to evolve from its earliest documentation in the literature in 1951. Herein, we review key historical advances in the diagnosis, classification, and nomenclature of EGPA that have shaped our understanding of this protean disorder over time.

Kimura's disease successively affecting multiple body parts: a case-based literature review

Background

Kimura’s disease is a rare, benign, chronic inflammatory disease that presents as painless, solid masses mainly affecting the deep subcutaneous areas of the head and neck, especially the salivary glands, parotid glands and nearby lymph nodes. It is characterized by elevated peripheral blood eosinophil and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old Asian male presented with an orbital space-occupying lesion lasting for 1.5 years. Ten years prior, surgical excision of bilateral fossa cubitalis and groin masses was performed, and the pathological examination showed "lymphoproliferative disease". One year later, masses reappeared near the surgical sites; they grew slowly and shrank after glucocorticoid treatment. At this point, admission examinations showed in the peripheral blood an eosinophil proportion of 13.4%, a total IgE level of 26,900.00 IU/mL, prurigo present on the whole body, and multiple palpable masses near the bilateral fossa cubitalis and groin. The left eyeball was exophthalmic. The left elbow mass was excised, and the pathological examination confirmed Kimura’s disease. Oral glucocorticoid therapy is taken and tapering regularly. The eosinophil count returned to normal, the IgE level gradually decreased, the orbital space-occupying lesion and elbow and groin masses shrank significantly, and the whole-body skin prurigo disappeared. Currently, the patient has been in a stable condition for eighteen months.

Conclusion

Our case provides a novel insight that Kimura’s disease should be involved in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory lesion mass of orbit and also supports systemic regular glucocorticoid as a valuable therapy of such condition, but close follow-up and long-term observation are crucial.

Umbilicated papulonodules on the elbows with purpuric papules on the fingers

This case describes an unusual cutaneous presentation. Our patient had purpuric papules on the fingers and umbilicated nodules over the elbows, and interestingly, both lesion types showed similar histopathological features of necrobiotic granuloma with neutrophils.