THROMBOSIS IN CHTJRG-STRAUS S SYNDROME. BEYOND VASCULTTIS?

SUMMARY Thromboembolism is considered a rare occurrence in the course of Churg-Strauss syndrome. We report three patients who experienced vascular occlusions at relapse and at first diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome. The pathogenesis of thrombosis in Churg-Strauss syndrome and the potential role played by the eosinophil are discussed. INFLAMMATION and necrosis of the vessel wall with eosinophilia and extravascular granulomas are cardinal features of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) [1]. Thromboembolism is rarely reported in this setting [2], although immune complex deposition, anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) and inflammatory mediators may promote the thrombogenicity of the endothelial lining, stimulate platelet activation and increase the synthesis of haemostatical ly active plasma proteins, favouring a hypercoagulabl e state [2]. We report three patients with CSS who experienced thrombosis. This occurred during a relapse of CSS in the first case and represented a later manifestation in the remaining two patients. A likely pathogenesis for thrombosis development in CSS is given.