[Syndromic approach in migrant patients: Fever, diarrhea, anemia, eosinophilia and chronic cough]. / Abordaje sindrómico en el paciente inmigrante: fiebre, diarrea, anemia, eosinofilia y tos crónica.

Migrant patients share the same diseases as natives, but biological or environmental differences may lead to distinct prevalence and manifestations of certain syndromes. Some common conditions in Primary Care stand out, such as fever, diarrhea, anemia, eosinophilia, and chronic cough, where it is important to have a special consideration. Fever may indicate a serious imported illness, and malaria should always be ruled out. Diarrhea is generally of infectious origin, and in most cases, management is outpatient. Anemia may indicate malnutrition or malabsorption, while eosinophilia may indicate a parasitic infection. Lastly, chronic cough may be a sign of tuberculosis, especially in immigrants from endemic areas. Family medicine holds a privileged position for the comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and person-centered approach to these conditions.

Association of Peripheral Blood and Cutaneous Eosinophils With Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Severity and Treatment Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A dermal inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils is a prominent histological feature of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and peripheral blood eosinophilia has been documented in 50-60% of BP patients. Nevertheless, the impact of circulating and dermal infiltrate eosinophil levels on BP remains poorly understood. The main objective of this work was to investigate the association of peripheral blood and dermal infiltrate eosinophil levels with clinical and immunological characteristics of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all patients diagnosed with BP between 2011 and 2020. RESULTS: The study cohort included 233 patients with BP. The mean baseline peripheral blood eosinophil count was 956.3±408.6×106/L and the mean number of tissue eosinophils at the dermal hot spot area was 30.5±19.0. Patients with disseminated presentation (i.e. BSA>50%) had significantly higher peripheral blood eosinophil counts (P=0.028). Mucosal involvement was significantly associated with lower dermal eosinophil count (P=0.001). Requiring inpatient care and relapsing were significantly associated with high peripheral blood eosinophil count (P=0.025; P=0.020, respectively). Among the 68 patients who experienced a relapse, 31 had peripheral blood eosinophilia (i.e. >500×106/L) at relapse (44.2%). Peripheral blood eosinophil counts at baseline and at relapse were significantly correlated (r=0.82, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral blood and cutaneous eosinophils levels may be useful biomarkers for disease activity and treatment outcomes in BP. Monitoring peripheral blood eosinophil counts may allow early detection of relapse.

Eosinophilia prevalence and related factors in travel and immigrants of the network +REDIVI. / Prevalencia de la eosinofilia y factores relacionados en los viajeros e inmigrantes de la red +REDIVI.

The population movements during the last decades have resulted in a progressively increasing interest in certain infectious diseases. Eosinophilia is a common finding in immigrants and travellers. One of the most common causes of eosinophilia is helminth infection, and some intestinal protozoa. The aim of this paper is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of cases with eosinophilia and its association with the presence of parasites in the REDIVI data network. This is a multicentre prospective observational study that includes patients diagnosed with eosinophilia registered in the cooperative network for the study of infectious diseases in travellers and immigrants (+REDIVI) from January 2009 to December 2012. A total of 5,255 episodes were recorded in the network during the study period, and eosinophilia was observed in 8.1-31.3% of cases (depending on the immigration group). There were 60.2% men, with a median age of 31years. There were 72.4% immigrants, and 81.2% were asymptomatic. The most commonly identified parasites were S.stercoralis (34.4%), Schistosoma sp. (11.0%), and hookworm (8.6%). The relationship between eosinophilia and parasite infection was significant for all helminths (except for cutaneous larva migrans). The symptoms and duration of the journey did not significantly determine the presence of eosinophilia. In the case of eosinophilia in a person who has lived in helminth endemic areas, it is advisable to carry out targeted studies to diagnose the infection, regardless of immigration type, length of stay, or the presence of symptoms.

Eosinophilic esophagitis. The North against the South? A bio-economic-social mechanistic approach and clinical implications. / La esofagitis eosinofílica. ¿El Norte contra el Sur? Enfoque mecanicista bio-económico-social e implicaciones clínicas.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic antigen-mediated disease characterized by esophageal symptoms, esophageal eosinophilia, and the absence of response to proton pump inhibitors. It is the most frequent cause of dysphagia and food impaction in adults. Its incidence and prevalence is very high in the developed countries (USA, Europe, Australia), where its connotation is that of an emerging epidemic. While studies have been published with large case series in the developed countries, those published in Latin America are small or consist of isolated case reports. The differences in the prevalence of the disease between the developed and developing regions are unknown. Genetic or racial causes have been cited. Nevertheless, the epidemic nature of the disease suggests that environmental causes are the most powerful. Based on the published hypotheses, as well as on epidemiologic studies, the present review discusses some of the possible causes of the disparity in the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis between the two types of countries. The 'hygiene hypothesis' is reviewed, together with the possible relation of Helicobacter pylori, intestinal parasites, and modifications of the esophageal microbiota in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. In reference to studies conducted in the United States, the clinical behavior and progression of eosinophilic esophagitis in Hispanics is reviewed and a possible predominant phenotype in Mexican and other Latin American patients is discussed. Finally, based on the above, an algorithm for studying the disease in the Latin American countries is proposed.

Eosinophilic Dermatosis of Hematologic Malignancy. / Dermatosis eosinofílicas asociadas a procesos hematológicos.

Dermatosis characterized by tissue eosinophilia arising in the context of hematologic disease is known as eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy. The most commonly associated malignancy is chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy is a rare condition with a wide variety of clinical presentations, ranging from papules, erythematous nodules, or blisters that simulate arthropod bites, to the formation of true plaques of differing sizes. Histology reveals the presence of abundant eosinophils. We present 4 new cases seen in Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Valencia, during the past 7 years. Three of these cases were associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 1 with mycosis fungoides. It is important to recognize this dermatosis as it can indicate progression of the underlying disease, as was the case in 3 of our patients.

[Clinical approach to imported eosinophilia]. / Aproximación clínica a la eosinofilia importada.

Eosinophilia is a common finding in international travelers and immigrants, being an helmintic infection its main etiology. The positive predictive value of eosinophilia for an helmintosis is low in travellers. Eosinophilia may be an incidental finding, or symptomatic, and it represents a clinical challenge due to the low sensitivity and specificity of direct and indirect parasitological diagnostic tests, respectively. It requires a structured approach based on geographical areas, environmental exposures and behavioral risks, and associated symptoms. The initial assessment should include a comprehensive and tailored anamnesis and physical examination, basic laboratory tests, a complete parasitological examination of stool samples and a Strongyloides stercoralis serology, supplemented with other explorations guided by epidemiological and clinical suspicion. Empiric treatment with albendazole and/or ivermectin (plus praziquantel if risk of schistosomiasis) is an option for unidentified persistent eosinophilia after study, and in persons in whom a proper assessment or follow-up can not be assured. In patients at risk for estrongiloidosis who are candidates for immunosuppressive therapies, it is indicated a prior screening and treatment to prevent a future hyperinfestation syndrome.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia: a clinicopathologic study of 9 cases.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare disease characterized by single or multiple angiomatous lesions typically located on the scalp and the face. We present a retrospective analysis of 9 cases of ALHE. The lesions appeared largely as multiple grouped papules or, in some cases, subcutaneous nodules, located mainly on the scalp, particularly around the ear. We also observed lesions in atypical locations, such as areas of the head other than the scalp, and the shoulder, neck, and forearm. At these sites the lesions had an atypical clinical appearance that made diagnosis difficult; this should be borne in mind in patients with single, well-delimited lesions with a vascular appearance and superficial ulceration or crusting. Surgery was the most common treatment in our series, and even though ALHE is considered a benign condition, recurrence was common.

Eosinophilic Pneumonia Induced by Daptomycin.

Daptomycin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia (DIEP) is a rare but serious complication associated with the use of this broad-spectrum antibiotic. We present the case of a teenager with a history of nasopharyngeal cancer who developed DIEP while receiving daptomycin to treat an infection associated with an implanted chamber catheter. Symptoms included recurrent dyspnea and peripheral eosinophilia, with radiological findings consistent with DIEP. The pathophysiology involves an immune response triggered by daptomycin, resulting in eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation of medical history, clinical laboratory tests, and radiological findings. The main treatment involves discontinuation of daptomycin and, in severe cases, the use of steroids. It is essential to consider DIEP in patients with respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary opacities who have used daptomycin and to suspect it in those with blood eosinophilia or in bronchoalveolar lavage.

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to omeprazole-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): Case report and review of the literature.

Eosinophilia in not an uncommon findings in the intensive care unit (ICU); however, DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome, which is characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction to drugs and manifests as eosinophilia, systemic involvement and maculopapular erythematous rash 2-6 weeks after exposure to the offending drug, is an exceptional occurrence. We present the first case described in the literature of DRESS syndrome with pulmonary involvement in the form of interstitial pneumonitis and persistent adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The patient made a good recovery after withdrawal of the offending drug and long-term treatment with systemic corticosteroids. We also present a systematic review of all cases of DRESS with pulmonary involvement in the form of interstitial pneumonitis and cases of PPI-induced DRESS published to date; none of these describe pulmonary involvement.

Clozapine-Induced Eosinophilia: a Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug eligible for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It frequently represents the best and the only choice in resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is feared by many professionals due to its possible adverse effects, such as eosinophilia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a young white male suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia who rapidly developed eosinophilia after starting clozapine. DISCUSSION: We present a case of a 26-year-old white man diagnosed with schizophrenia with poor clinical response to several antipsychotics owing to which clozapine was started. Psychotic symptoms improved dramatically but a progressively ascendant eosinophilia was reported during serial haematological analyses. The patient remained physically asymptomatic. An exhaustive assessment with ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no cause for eosinophilia. Thus, a diagnosis of clozapine-induced eosinophilia was made. The drug was discontinued and eosinophil count progressively returned to normal but psychotic symptoms worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine treatment is frequently feared due to its possible side effects and complications, delaying its use in refractory schizophrenia. Also, to our knowledge, there are no specific guidelines on how to manage haematological side effects such as eosinophilia. This is problematic as, in some cases, it may lead to an unnecessary withdrawal of clozapine with a worsening of psychotic symptoms. We present a brief discussion of the recent literature on the subject.

[Caso clínico: síndrome de DRESS por hidroxicloroquina].

Background: DRESS syndrome (Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is an idiosyncratic reaction characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: fever, exanthema, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, atypical lymphocytes and elevated liver enzymes. The incidence is 1 per 10,000 exposures, mortality 10-20%. Treatment is based on suspension of the suspected drug and steroids. Case report: A 42-year-old male with the following important antecedents. AHF: mother and father with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. APP: Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus type 2, and bee sting allergy. Current Condition: He started 8 days after ingestion of hydroxychloroquine for probable SARS-COV-2 infection, with headache, facial and neck edema, desquamative dermatosis on trunk and upper extremities, went to private clinic with torpid evolution sent to third level for increased facial and neck edema, which merited orotracheal intubation, management with intravenous steroids and antihistamines. Labs on admission: Leukocytes 20090, platelets 322 thousand, eosinophilia (5%), elevated liver enzymes and acute kidney injury, fulfilling J-SCAR criteria. The patient was discharged due to adequate evolution with follow-up by Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the patient persists with desquamative lesions after 4 weeks and normalization of laboratory parameters. Conclusions: DRESS is a delayed adverse reaction. It is important the diagnostic presumption and the causal relationship with the drugs due to the high mortality rate.

Antecedentes: El síndrome DRESS (Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) es una reacción idiosincrática, se caracteriza por eosinofilia perifé- rica y síntomas sistémicos: fiebre, exantema, linfadenopatía, hepatitis, linfocitos atípicos y elevación de enzimas hepáticas. La incidencia es de 1 por cada 10,000 exposiciones, mortalidad de 10 a 20%. El tratamiento se basa en la suspensión del fármaco sospechoso y en la aplicación de esteroides. Reporte de caso: Masculino de 42 años con los siguientes antecedentes de importancia. AHF: madre y padre con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. APP: Hipertensión Arterial, Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, y alergia a picadura de abeja. Padecimiento Actual: Lo inicia posterior a 8 días tras la ingesta de hidroxicloroquina por probable infección por SARS-COV-2, con cefalea, edema facial y de cuello, dermatosis descamativa en tronco y extremidades superiores, acude a clínica particular con evolución tórpida enviado a tercer nivel por aumento de edema facial y cuello, que amerito intubación orotraqueal, manejo con esteroides intravenosos y anti- histamínicos. Laboratorios a su ingreso: Leucocitos 20090, plaquetas 322 mil, eosinofilia (5%), elevación de enzimas hepáticas y lesión renal aguda, cumpliendo criterios J-SCAR. Se egresa por adecuada evolución con seguimiento por Alergia e Inmunología Clínica, el paciente persiste con lesiones descamativas posterior a 4 semanas y normalización de parámetros de laboratorios. Conclusión: DRESS es una reacción adversa retardada. Es importante la presunción diagnóstica y la relación causal con los fármacos por la alta tasa de morta- lidad.

[Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis]. / Granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by the presence of asthma associated with eosinophilia, eosinophilic infiltration of different organs, and vasculitis of small and medium-sized vessels. Although classified as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, it occurs in less than half of the patients. The disease is infrequent, typically appearing in patients with asthma and affecting multiple organs such as lung, skin and peripheral nervous system. Treatment has been based on the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. In recent years, progress has been made in the knowledge of the pathophysiology, in treatment with the inclusion of biologic agents, the classification criteria have been revised and new therapeutic recommendations have been published.

Clozapine-Induced Eosinophilia: a Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug eligible for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It frequently represents the best and the only choice in resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is feared by many professionals due to its possible adverse effects, such as eosinophilia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a young white male suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia who rapidly developed eosinophilia after starting clozapine. DISCUSSION: We present a case of a 26-year-old white man diagnosed with schizophrenia with poor clinical response to several antipsychotics owing to which clozapine was started. Psychotic symptoms improved dramatically but a progressively ascendant eosinophilia was reported during serial haematological analyses. The patient remained physically asymptomatic. An exhaustive assessment with ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no cause for eosinophilia. Thus, a diagnosis of clozapine-induced eosinophilia was made. The drug was discontinued and eosinophil count progressively returned to normal but psychotic symptoms worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine treatment is frequently feared due to its possible side effects and complications, delaying its use in refractory schizophrenia. Also, to our knowledge, there are no specific guidelines on how to manage haematological side effects such as eosinophilia. This is problematic as, in some cases, it may lead to an unnecessary withdrawal of clozapine with a worsening of psychotic symptoms. We present a brief discussion of the recent literature on the subject.

Eosinophilic COPD Patients Display a Distinctive Serum miRNA Profile From Asthma and Non-eosinophilic COPD.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic airway diseases that may overlap in some individuals. Asthma COPD overlap (ACO) is a heterogeneous conditions that includes smoking-asthma (SA) and COPD with eosinophilia (COPDe). MicroRNAs (miRNA) are regulators of gene expression with a great potential as biomarkers. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify distinctive miRNA signatures in patients from the whole spectrum of chronic obstructive bronchial disease (SA, COPDe, non-smoking asthmatics (NSA), and COPD) that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers or describe differential molecular mechanisms with potential therapeutic implications. METHODS: From a previously characterized cohort of ACO, COPD and asthma patients, we selected a discovery group of 40 patients for miRNA expression profiling by means of microarray technology. Differential expression of miRNAs were validated by quantitative PCR in the complete cohort (n=274). RESULTS: Thirty differentially expressed miRNAs (eBAYES p<0.05, fold change ≥2) were found among the different groups of patients regarding COPDe: 19 COPD-vs-COPDe, 13 NSA-vs-COPDe, 11 SA-vs-COPDe. A characteristic down-regulated miRNA expression pattern was identified in COPDe patients. Differential expression of miR-619-5p and miR-4486 in COPDe patients were validated in the complete cohort (n=274). CONCLUSIONS: We postulate that COPDe patients show a characteristic expression profile of miRNAs distinctive from asthma and COPD. Also that SA and COPDe patients, which have been typically clustered in the ACO group, display distinct molecular events.

Dress por litio: reporte de un caso pediátrico / Lithium dress: a pediatric case report / Dress por Lítio: relato de caso pediátrico

La reacción a medicamentos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos denominada DRESS(por sus siglas en inglés, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) hace parte de un amplio espectro denominado toxicodermias. La incidencia exacta no es conocida en niños; sin embargo, en la literatura se ha estimado una tasa de mortalidad que puede llegar a ser tan alta como el 10 %. Presentamos el caso de una paciente adolescente con antecedente personal de trastorno afectivo bipolar (TAB), quien recibía de forma ambulatoria sertralina, quetiapina y trazodona. Por presencia de alucinaciones se adicionó litio al manejo. Diez días después acude al servicio de urgencias por aparición de erupción cutánea y síntomas sistémicos, por lo que se sospechó un cuadro clínico secundario a hipersensibilidad a los medicamentos.

The reaction to drugs with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms called DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is part of a broad spectrum called toxicodermias. The exact incidence is not known in children; However, a mortality rate that can be as high as 10% has been estimated in the literature. We present the case of a teenage patient with a personal history of bipolar affective disorder (BD), who received sertraline, quetiapine and trazodone on an outpatient basis. Due to the presence of hallucinations, lithium was added to the management. Ten days later she went to the emergency department due to the appearance of a skin rash and systemic symptoms, for which a clinical condition secondary to hypersensitivity to medications was suspected.

A reação a medicamentos com eosinofilia e sintomas sistêmicos denominada DRESS (Por suas siglas em inglês Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) faz parte de um amplo espectro denominado toxicodermias. A incidência exata não é conhecida em crianças; No entanto, uma taxa de mortalidade que pode chegar a 10% foi estimada na literatura. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente adolescente com história pessoal de transtorno afetivo bipolar (TAB), que recebeu sertralina, quetiapina e trazodona em regime ambulatorial. Devido à presença de alucinações, foi adicionado lítio ao manejo. Dez dias depois, recorreu ao pronto-socorro devido ao aparecimento de erupção cutânea e sintomas sistêmicos, suspeitando-se de quadro clínico secundário a hipersensibilidade a medicamentos.

Celulitis eosinofílica (síndrome de Wells) en una paciente en edad pediátrica / Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) in a female pediatric patient

El síndrome de Wells o celulitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad inflamatoria de origen desconocido, de aparición infrecuente en la edad pediátrica. Suele manifestarse clínicamente como placas eritematoedematosas, nódulos, pápulas, ampollas, entre otros. Se presenta una paciente en edad pediátrica con nódulos subcutáneos asintomáticos generalizados asociados a eosinofilia grave. El estudio histopatológico de las lesiones fue compatible con celulitis de Wells. Se realizó una evaluación interdisciplinaria en busca de la causa y trastornos eosinofílicos asociados, sin resultados positivos. Se indicó tratamiento sistémico con corticoides y presentó buena respuesta, pero, ante la recidiva de las lesiones tras su suspensión, se indicó dapsona como tratamiento de segunda línea, con mejoría posterior de las lesiones y de la eosinofilia. El objetivo del reporte es presentar una paciente con una manifestación atípica de síndrome de Wells y su desafío terapéutico.

Wells' syndrome, or eosinophilic cellulitis, is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin, uncommon in the pediatric age. It usually appears clinically as erythematous and edematous plaques, nodules, papules, blisters, among other symptoms. Here we describe the case of a female pediatric patient with generalized, asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules associated with severe eosinophilia. The histopathological examination of the lesions was compatible with Wells' syndrome. An interdisciplinary evaluation was performed to establish the cause and look for associated eosinophilic disorders; the results were negative. Systemic corticosteroids were indicated and the patient had a good response; however, in view of the recurrence of the lesions after treatment discontinuation, dapsone was indicated as a second-line treatment, with subsequent improvement of the lesions and eosinophilia. The aim of this report was to describe the case of a female patient with an atypical manifestation of Wells' syndrome and the resulting therapeutic challenge.

Eosinophilic esophagitis-Where are we today?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the practical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to eosinophilic esophagitis and to increase the visibility of the disease among pediatricians. SOURCES: A search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases and recent consensus statements and guidelines were performed. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The definition of eosinophilic esophagitis is based on symptoms and histology. It is important to rule out other diseases associated with esophageal eosinophil-predominant inflammation. It is not yet clear whether the increased prevalence is due to a real increase in incidence or a result of increased awareness of the disease. Various options for management have been used in pediatric patients, including proton pump inhibitors, dietary restriction therapies, swallowed topical steroids, and endoscopic dilations. More recently, proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis have been contemplated on the same spectrum, and proton pump inhibitors should be considered the initial step in the treatment of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a relatively new disease with a remarkable progression of its incidence and prevalence in the past two to three decades, and diagnostic criteria that are constantly evolving. It is important to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease, the predisposing factors, the natural history, and the categorization of varying phenotypes to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that meet the clinical needs of patients.

Síndrome de Wells: presentación con un gran polimorfismo clínico

El síndrome de Wells es una afección dérmica que presenta un gran polimorfismo clínico. Es una patología autolimitada, recurrente y su origen es incierto. Reportamos el caso de una paciente de 29 años, procedente del área Central de Paraguay, comerciante, sin patología de base que consultó por edema de manos y piel. El tratamiento indicado fue corticoide vía oral y desparasitación con buena evolución y sin recidivas.

Wells syndrome is a dermal condition with a high clinical polymorphism. It is a self-limited, recurrent pathology and its origin is uncertain. We report the case of a 29-year-old female patient from the central area of Paraguay, a shopkeeper, with no underlying pathology, who consulted for hand and skin edema. The indicated treatment was oral corticosteroid and deworming with good evolution and no recurrences.

Hypervascular Pseudonodular Plaque-Like Ultrasound Morphology in Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia. / Morfología ecográfica en placa pseudonodular hipervascular en hiperplasia angiolinfoide.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a benign vascular proliferation characterized by solitary or multiple angiomatous lesions. It is most common in young or middle-aged women, and the lesions typically affect the head and neck, showing a particular predilection for the periauricular region. The differential diagnosis in patients with ALHE is broad and includes both benign and malignant conditions. We report on a series of cases of periauricular ALHE in which ultrasound imaging revealed an hypervascular, pseudonodular and plaque-like morphology with clinical and histologic correlations. It also evidenced vascular communication between lesions that appeared to be separate on clinical examination. Familiarity with such ultrasound presentations could help to improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate disease monitoring in patients with ALHE.

Clozapine-Induced Eosinophilia: a Case Report

Introduction: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug eligible for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It frequently represents the best and the only choice in resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is feared by many professionals due to its possible adverse effects, such as eosinophilia. Case report: We report a case of a young white male suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia who rapidly developed eosinophilia after starting clozapine. Discussion: We present a case of a 26-year-old white man diagnosed with schizophrenia with poor clinical response to several antipsychotics owing to which clozapine was started. Psychotic symptoms improved dramatically but a progressively ascendant eosinophilia was reported during serial haematological analyses. The patient remained physically asymptomatic. An exhaustive assessment with ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no cause for eosinophilia. Thus, a diagnosis of clozapine-induced eosinophilia was made. The drug was discontinued and eosinophil count progressively returned to normal but psychotic symptoms worsened. Conclusions: Clozapine treatment is frequently feared due to its possible side effects and complications, delaying its use in refractory schizophrenia. Also, to our knowledge, there are no specific guidelines on how to manage haematological side effects such as eosinophilia. This is problematic as, in some cases, it may lead to an unnecessary withdrawal of clozapine with a worsening of psychotic symptoms. We present a brief discussion of the recent literature on the subject.

Introducción: La clozapina es un fármaco antipsicótico atípico eligible para la esquizofrenia resistente al tratamiento. Con frecuencia representa la mejor y la única opción para la esquizofrenia resistente. Sin embargo, muchos profesionales temen utilizarla por sus posibles efectos adversos, como la eosinofilia. Reporte de caso: Se expone el caso de un joven blanco que sufre esquizofrenia resistente al tratamiento y desarrolló eosinofilia rápidamente tras comenzar el tratamiento con clozapina. Discusión: Varón de 26 años con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia y mala respuesta clínica a varios antipsicóticos, por lo que se inició clozapina. Los síntomas psicóticos mejoraron drásticamente, pero los análisis hematológicos seriados informaron una eosinofilia en ascenso progresivo. El paciente permaneció físicamente asintomático. Una evaluación exhaustiva con pruebas de diagnóstico complementarias no reveló ninguna causa de eosinofilia. Por lo tanto, se diagnosticó eosinofilia inducida por clozapina. Se suspendió el fármaco, el recuento de eosinófilos volvió progresivamente a la normalidad, pero los síntomas psicóticos empeoraron. Conclusiones: A menudo se teme tratar con clozapina por sus posibles efectos secundarios y sus complicaciones, lo cual retrasa su uso en la esquizofrenia refractaria. Además, hasta donde sabemos, no existen pautas específicas sobre cómo tratar los efectos secundarios hematológicos como la eosinofilia. Esto es problemático porque, en algunos casos, puede conducir a suspender innecesariamente la clozapina y que empeoren los síntomas psicóticos. Se presenta una breve discusión de la literatura reciente sobre el tema.