Cutaneous manifestations of Churg-Strauss syndrome: a clinicopathologic correlation.
BACKGROUND
Allergic granulomatosis of Churg-Strauss (Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a distinct clinical disease of multisystem vasculitis.


OBJECTIVE
We characterize the clinical and histologic features of cutaneous findings in Churg-Strauss syndrome.


METHODS
All patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome seen between 1976 and 1995 were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Ninety patients with the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome were identified; 36 (40%) had cutaneous findings. Five patients (6%) had skin lesions as the initial manifestation. The most frequent cutaneous findings were purpura and petechiae on the lower extremities and cutaneous nodules and papules on the elbows. In 37 biopsy specimens from 29 patients, the most common findings were extravascular necrotizing granuloma (15 specimens) and leukocytoclastic vasculitis (16 specimens).


CONCLUSIONS
Cutaneous lesions in Churg-Strauss syndrome are common. Their characteristic clinical and histologic pattern may help establish the diagnosis.
Davis
M D
MD
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Daoud
M S
MS
McEvoy
M T
MT
Su
W P
WP
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015267:Churg-Strauss Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones