Churg-Strauss syndrome in a patient previously diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Sep 28:2011:bcr0620114300. doi: 10.1136/bcr.06.2011.4300.

Abstract

A lady in her 70s with a background of multiple sclerosis (MS) and late-onset asthma was admitted with a 2-week history of cough and shortness of breath, progressive right-sided weakness and functional decline. Investigation revealed eosinophilia, elevated myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, CT sinuses showed long-standing inflammatory changes consistent with sinonasal polyposis and MRI head showed lesions consistent with vasculitis. She then developed left-sided weakness and increased wheeze. Review of her case notes demonstrated that, the eosinophilia was long-standing, her asthma was severe and steroid-dependent, and her neurologic syndrome was atypical for MS. Intravenous methylprednisolone then cyclophosphamide were administered. She demonstrated remarkable improvement, becoming more alert, with improvement in left-sided weakness. A diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome was established. She was discharged to a nursing home with outpatient rheumatology follow-up. The diagnosis of MS was revisited.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methylprednisolone