title: [Eosinophilic fasciitis; the importance of early detection for optimal outcomes].
abstract: Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a disease with unknown aetiology, although an immunologic pathogenesis is suspected. The characteristic features of this inflammatory disease include scleroderma-like skin indurations, predominantly on the extremities, and peripheral blood eosinophilia. Internal organs are generally not affected. Initiation of systemic glucocorticoid therapy at an early stage results in a good response and remission of symptoms. This is illustrated in 3 cases of EF to demonstrate the importance of early detection in this disease.
authors.affiliation: Afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Máxima Medisch Centrum, Veldhoven. esmeraldahokken@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J W E
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hokken
authors.forename: A W L
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: van den Wall Bake
authors.forename: R N J
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: de Nijs
authors.forename: A A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Westgeest
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kroot
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: van Lijnschoten
mesh_terms: D003286:Contracture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids