Churg-Strauss syndrome/Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)

Overview

EGPA, or Churg-Strauss Syndrome, is the inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), clustering of white blood cells, and development of granulomas (inflammatory nodular lesions). EGPA affects multiple organs including the lungs, kidneys, GI tract, nerves, skin, and heart.

Common Symptoms

Asthma, hay fever, weight loss, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, cough, benign growths in the nose (polyps), numbness and tingling, rash, abdominal pain, blood in urine or stools, and shortness of breath.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Asthma, kidney disease, sinusitis, polyneuropathy, and myocarditis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

A history of asthma or nasal allergies is the main risk factor for developing EGPA, and typically precedes EGPA onset by 5 to 9 years.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Chakraborty, R. K., & Aeddula, N. R. (2021, March 1). Churg Strauss Syndrome. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537099/

    2. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). EGPA: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7098–eosinophilic-granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis-egpa-formerly-churg-strauss-syndrome

    3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, September 21). Churg-Strauss syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/churg-strauss-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353760#:~:text=Churg%2DStrauss%20syndrome%20is%20a,sign%20of%20Churg%2DStrauss%20syndrome

    4. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). (2018, January 4). Churg Strauss Syndrome. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/churg-strauss-syndrome/.