Churg-Strauss Syndrome in a Seven-year-old Boy: A Case Report

Abstract

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a type of vasculitis of small-to-medium sized vessels. This syndrome is known by a history of bronchial asthma with systemic necrotizing vasculitis and peripheral blood hypereosinophilia. It is currently called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). This disease affects both genders and all age groups, but it is very rare among children. CSS diagnosis is based on clinical findings such as asthma, eosinophilia, rhinosinusitis, and signs of vasculitis in major organs. In cases where steroids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents are used as treatment, the outcome and long-term survival are usually satisfying. In comparison with other types of systemic vasculitis, the mortality rate of this syndrome is low. In this study, we present the case of a 7-year-old boy with poorly controlled bronchial asthma since three years of age. This case had developed purpuric skin lesions, sinusitis, arthritis, and weakness of the limbs with symptoms of mononeuritis multiplex at the age of seven. After being admitted to our hospital, a series of studies, including complete blood count-diff, chest X-ray, paranasal sinus radiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, nerve conduction study, spirometry, and serological tests for autoantibodies, were performed and he was diagnosed with CSS. Thereafter, he received regular corticosteroid therapy in combination with methotrexate, and his symptoms were generally well-controlled with the beginning of the treatment. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of CSS in children are also reviewed in this study.