Eosinophilic fasciitis

Eosinophilic fasciitis (pronounced /ˌi.ə.sɪn.əˈfiˌlɪk ˌfæ.ʃiˈɑɪ̯.tɪs/), or EF, is a form of fasciitis. It is distinguished from scleroderma primarily because the affected area is the fascia, not the dermis as in scleroderma. Also, unlike scleroderma, Raynaud's phenomenon and telangiectasia are not observed.

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It was first characterized in 1975,^[1] and it is not yet known whether it is actually a distinct condition or just a different presentation. However, it remains used for diagnostic purposes.

It is more common in men than in women.^[2] Several cases have been reported after strenuous exercise.

Treatment

Common treatments include corticosteroids^[3] such as prednisone, though other medications such as hydroxychloroquine^[4] have also been used.

See also

• eosinophilia

References

1. ^ Shulman LE (1975). "Diffuse fasciitis with eosinophilia: a new syndrome?". Trans. Assoc. Am. Physicians 88: 70-86. PMID 1224441.
2. ^ Wojas-Pelc A, Wielowieyska-Szybińska D, Lipko-Godlewska S (2004). "[Eosinophilic fasciitis--current database]" (in Polish). Pol. Merkur. Lekarski 16 (96): 585-8. PMID 15510903.
3. ^ Antic M, Lautenschlager S, Itin PH (2006). "Eosinophilic fasciitis 30 years after - what do we really know? Report of 11 patients and review of the literature". Dermatology (Basel) 213 (2): 93-101. doi:10.1159/000093847. PMID 16902285.
4. ^ Lakhanpal S, Ginsburg WW, Michet CJ, Doyle JA, Moore SB (1988). "Eosinophilic fasciitis: clinical spectrum and therapeutic response in 52 cases". Semin. Arthritis Rheum. 17 (4): 221-31. PMID 3232080.