Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a syndrome in which tissue under the skin and over the muscle, called fascia, becomes swollen, inflamed and thick. The skin on the arms, legs, neck, abdomen or feet can swell quickly. The condition is very rare.
EF may look similar to scleroderma, but is not related. Unlike scleroderma, in EF, the fingers are not involved.
Causes
The cause of EF 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:
- Tenderness and swelling of the skin on the arms, legs, or sometimes the joints (most often on both sides of the body)
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Muscle pain
- 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)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- MRI
- Muscle biopsy
- Skin biopsy (the biopsy needs to include the deep tissue of the fascia)
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 1 to 3 years. However, symptoms may last longer or come back.
Possible Complications
Arthritis is a rare complication of EF. 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.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder.
Prevention
There is no known prevention.
Alternative Names
Shulman syndrome
Images
References
Lee LA, Werth VP. Skin and rheumatic diseases. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Kelley and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 43.
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Eosinophilic fasciitis. rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6351/eosinophilic-fasciitis. Accessed March 6, 2017.
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Eosinophilic fasciitis. Updated 2016. rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/eosinophilic-fasciitis/. Accessed March 6, 2017.
Review Date 2/8/2017
Updated 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, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
