MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING AND SERUM ALDOLASE CONCENTRATION IN EOSINOPHILIC FASCIITIS

We report a 24-year-old man with eosinophilic fasciitis who presented with progressive joint contractures of all four limbs, In this patient , the serum aldolase concentration was elevated while the serum creati nine kinase concentration was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging showe d gadolinium enhancement of fascial structures in the lower limbs. Wit h the clinical improvement by the treat ment with oral corticosteroid, the aldolase concentration was decreased, and the fascial]al[ hyperin tensity on magnetic resonance images was reduced. The phenomenon of in creased an aldolase concentration accompanied by a normal creatinine k inase concentration may be characteristic of eosinophilic fascitis. Se rial magnetic resonance images and serum aldolase concentration are us eful for monitoring the therapeutic response in this condition.