Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is inflammation of small- and medium-sized blood vessels that damages organs and that usually occurs in adults with a history of asthma, nasal allergies, nasal polyposis, or a combination.
The cause is unknown.
At first, people may have a runny nose or asthma for months or years or have sinus pain, followed by various symptoms, depending on which organs are affected.
Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms and results of a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsy.
Corticosteroids in combination with another drug that suppresses the immune system may be used.
(See also Overview of Vasculitis.)
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis can occur in people of all ages. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 48. Affected people develop asthma, nasal allergies, nasal polyposis (when numerous polyps develop in the nose), or a combination in adulthood. The cause of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is unknown.
Inflammation that can affect small- and medium-sized blood vessels (vasculitis) may affect any organ. The peripheral nervous system, sinuses, skin, joints, lungs, digestive tract, heart, and kidneys are most commonly affected. Collections of immune cells that cause inflammation (called granulomas) may form raised bumps (nodules) in affected tissue. Granulomas can destroy normal tissue and interfere with functioning. They may also cause lumps to form under the skin. People also have an increased number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in their blood and body tissues. An increased number of eosinophils is called eosinophilia, and the increase suggests that an allergic reaction may be part of the disorder.
Symptoms
In people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, asthma, nasal allergies, nasal polyposis, or a combination may develop or worsen over many years. People may sneeze and have a persistently runny nose and itchy eyes. Inflammation of the sinuses may cause facial pain.
Later, people may feel generally ill and tired. They may have fevers or night sweats or lose their appetite and lose weight. Other symptoms depend on which organs are affected and may include the following:
Muscle and joint pain
Shortness of breath, asthma, and sinusitis
Chest pain
Rashes
Abdominal pain and diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Abnormal sensations, numbness, or weakness in a limb, often sudden
Confusion, seizures, and coma
Any combination of these symptoms may occur. Symptoms may occur in episodes. In subsequent episodes, people may have the same symptoms as the first episode or different ones.
Inflammation of the kidneys may not cause symptoms until the kidneys malfunction and kidney failure develops. Other complications include heart failure, heart attack, pericarditis, and heart valve disorders.
Diagnosis
A doctor's evaluation
Blood and urine tests
Imaging tests
Biopsy (of skin, muscle, and, sometimes, lung tissue)
Early diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis help prevent severe organ damage.
No single test can confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is made by recognizing the combination of typical symptoms and results of the physical examination and other tests.
Blood tests are done. Doctors determine how many eosinophils are in the blood. Eosinophils are produced during allergic reactions, and their number increases when eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is present. Doctors also look for certain antibodies (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) that may be present. Doctors measure how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) drop to the bottom of a test tube (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or ESR). A fast rate suggests inflammation. Doctors also measure levels of C-reactive protein (which the liver produces in response to bodywide inflammation). A high C-reactive protein level also suggests inflammation. Urine tests are done to determine whether the kidneys are affected.
A chest x-ray is done to look for inflammation in the lungs. Doctors also do echocardiography of the heart to look for signs of heart failure.
A sample of inflamed tissue is taken and examined under a microscope (biopsy). A biopsy can show whether the tissue contains eosinophils or granulomas. Sometimes a biopsy of lung tissue is necessary. It may require hospitalization.
Prognosis
The prognosis is poor for people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis whose heart, brain, spinal cord, or nerves are affected.
Treatment
Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants
After symptoms resolve, the dose of the drugs is gradually reduced, and, after a while, the drugs may be stopped. If necessary, they can be started again. These drugs, especially when taken for a long time, can have serious side effects.
People with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis should learn about their disorder. Then they can recognize any new symptoms and report them immediately to the doctor.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Vasculitis Foundation: Provides information for patients about vasculitis, including how to find a doctor, learn about research studies, and join patient advocacy groups
