CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF CHURG-STRAUSS-SYNDROME - A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION

Background: Allergic granulomatosis of Churg-Strauss (Churg-Strauss sy ndrome) is a distinct clinical disease of multisystem vasculitis. Obje ctive: We characterize the clinical and histologic features of cutaneo us findings in Churg-Strauss syndrome. Methods: All patients with Chur g-Strauss syndrome seen between 1976 and 1995 were retrospectively rev iewed. Results: Ninety patients with the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss sy ndrome were identified; 36 (40%) had cutaneous findings. Five patients (6%) had skin lesions as the initial manifestation. The most frequent cutaneous findings were purpura and petechiae on the lower extremitie s and cutaneous nodules and papules on the elbows. in 37 biopsy specim ens from 29 patients, the most common findings were extravascular necr otizing granuloma (15 specimens) and leukocytoclastic vasculitis (16 s pecimens). Conclusion: Cutaneous lesions in Churg-Strauss syndrome are common. Their characteristic clinical and histologic pattern may help establish the diagnosis.