Journal List > J Rheum Dis > v.24(3) > 1064324

Park, Lee, Park, and Yoo: Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Associated with the Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Abstract

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a disorder characterized by the sustained overproduction of eosinophils and multiple organ damage. Rheumatologic manifestations of HES are infrequent, but persistent eosinophilia is observed in approximately 10% to 40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This finding may be a result of the RA itself and is often associated with active disease and the presence of extraarticular features. We describe the case of a 48-year-old man affected by HES who subsequently developed RA. Both HES and RA responded rapidly to the corticosteroid and methotrexate therapy. In this patient, the initiation of RA and HES was related, suggesting a common pathogenetic link between these two diseases.

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Figure 1.
High-resolution computed tomography scan of the lungs reveals subpleural distribution of small hyperdense nodules (black arrow) in the right lower lobe.
jrd-24-165f1.tif
Figure 2.
Bone scan shows hot spots in both ankles and wrists, a sign of arthritis. Delayed regional bone images show increased radiotracer uptake in both ankles, both feet, and both wrists.
jrd-24-165f2.tif
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