A surprising discovery - idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome

A 51-year old man with past medical history of allergic rhinitis was admitted to the hospital and treated for a right sided multi-lobar pneumonia. He presented with progressively worsening dry cough, malaise and diffuse (hip, knee, elbow, hands) joint pain. He had a history of multiple episodes of sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections in the preceding six months requiring steroids and antibiotics with varying responses. A CBC revealed eosinophil count of> 9 eosinophils x 109/L. A BAL revealed over 90% eosinophils.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: M212 Source Type: research