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Eosinophilic fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a syndrome in which muscle tissue under the skin, called fascia, becomes swollen, inflamed and thick. The hands, arms, legs, and feet can swell quickly. The condition is very rare.
The disease may look similar to scleroderma but is not related.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of scar-like tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line th...
Causes
The cause of eosinophilic fasciitis is unknown. In people with this condition, white blood cells called eosinophils, build up in the muscles and tissues. Eosinophils are linked to allergic reactions. The syndrome is more common in people ages 30 to 60.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
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Bone pain or tenderness
Bone pain or tenderness
Bone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling a...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Muscle weakness
- Tenderness and swelling of the skin on the arms, legs, or sometimes the joints (most often on both sides of the body)
- Thickened skin that looks puckered
Exams and Tests
Tests that may be done include:
- CBC with differential
- Gamma globulins (a type of immune system protein)
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Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (
ESR
)
ESR
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in...
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MRI
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
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Muscle biopsy
Muscle biopsy
A muscle biopsy is the removal of a small piece of muscle tissue for examination.
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Skin biopsy
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
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Treatment
Corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing medicines are used to relieve symptoms. These medicines are more effective when started early in the disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help reduce symptoms.
Outlook (Prognosis)
In most cases, the condition goes away within 3 to 5 years. However, symptoms may last longer or come back.
Possible Complications
Arthritis is a rare complication of eosinophilic fasciitis. Some people may develop very serious blood disorders or blood-related cancers, such as aplastic anemia or leukemia . The outlook is much worse if blood diseases occur.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder.
Prevention
There is no known prevention.
References
Lee LA, Werth VP. The Skin and Rhematic Diseases. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 43.
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Superficial anterior muscles - illustration
Superficial muscles are close to the surface of the skin. Muscles which lie closer to bone or internal organs are called deep muscles.
Superficial anterior muscles
illustration
Review Date: 1/20/2015
Reviewed By: Gordon A. Starkebaum, MD, professor of medicine, division of rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
