Eosinophilic Fasciitis Induced by Fire Ant Bites

Purpose: To describe a case of eosinophilic fasciitis likely related to proximate fire ant bites and review the literature to summarize the etiology and clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and therapeutic aspects of eosinophilic fasciitis. Methods: Report of a case of eosinophilic fasciitis and review of the English language literature using a Medline search from 1950 to January 2007. Results: We describe the case of a New Orleans woman who developed eosinophilic fasciitis after fire ant bites post-Hurricane Katrina. A careful literature review confirms an association of eosinophilic fasciitis with unaccustomed vigorous exercise, arthropod bites, and borreliosis, among other etiologic agents. Conclusions: Eosinophilic fasciitis, a rare disorder with unclear pathogenic mechanisms, has been associated with arthropod bites and borreliosis. Fire ant bites should be added to the list of etiologic agents for this disorder.