title: Case report: rapid and complete control of idiopathic hypereosinophilia with imatinib mesylate.
abstract: In this case report, we report what we believe to be the first case of imatinib mesylate or STI-571 (Novartis) use for treatment of idiopathic hypereosinophilia syndrome (HES). HES is often a fatal illness, damaging the heart, nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys. It is often treated with interferon-alpha. In this patient, it was combined with hydroxyurea, and we believe it saved his life. However, he experienced many common side effects, such as a profound intractable headache, severe fatigue, and concentration difficulties. After years on hydroxyurea and interferon-alpha, the severity of these side effects motivated us to try a trial of imatinib mesylate. Its use was followed by an abrupt remission of HES in a few weeks, with no significant side effects.
authors.affiliation: Chester County Research Center, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Schaller
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Burkland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001549:Benzamides; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017681:Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001549:Benzamides; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D006918:Hydroxyurea