• Disease Overview
  • Synonyms
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • Affected Populations
  • Disorders with Similar Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Standard Therapies
  • Clinical Trials and Studies
  • References
  • Programs & Resources
  • Complete Report

Churg Strauss Syndrome

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Last updated: January 04, 2018
Years published: 1989, 1990, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010


Acknowledgment

NORD gratefully acknowledges John H. Stone, MD, MPH, Director, Clinical Rheumatology,

Massachusetts General Hospital, for assistance in the preparation of this report.


Disease Overview

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare disorder that may affect multiple organ systems, especially the lungs. The disorder is characterized by the abnormal clustering of certain white blood cells (hypereosinophilia) in the blood and tissues, inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), and the development of inflammatory nodular lesions called granulomas (granulomatosis). Most affected individuals have a history of allergy. In addition, asthma and other associated lung (pulmonary) abnormalities (i.e., pulmonary infiltrates) often precede the development of the generalized (systemic) symptoms and findings seen in Churg-Strauss syndrome by as little as six months or as much as two decades. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disorder, is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the lungs’ airways, causing difficulties breathing (dyspnea), coughing, the production of a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing (wheezing), and/or other symptoms and findings.

Nonspecific findings associated with Churg-Strauss syndrome typically include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, a general feeling of weakness and fatigue (malaise), loss of appetite (anorexia), weight loss, and muscle pain (myalgia). Additional symptoms and findings may vary depending upon the specific organ systems affected. The nerves outside the central nervous system (peripheral nerves), kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract are often involved. Without appropriate treatment, serious organ damage and potentially life-threatening complications may result. Although the exact cause of Churg-Strauss syndrome is unknown, many researchers indicate that abnormal functioning of the immune system plays an important role.

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Synonyms

  • allergic angiitis and granulomatosis
  • allergic granulomatosis
  • allergic granulomatosis and angiitis
  • Churg-Strauss vasculitis
  • CSS
  • eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
  • EGPA
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Signs & Symptoms

Because multiple organ systems can potentially be affected, the specific symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome vary widely from case to case. The disorder is separated into three distinct phases – prodromal, eosinophilic and vasculitic. These phases may or may not occur sequentially. Some affected individuals will not develop all three phases. With proper treatment Churg-Strauss syndrome can be successfully managed. Without treatment the disorder may progress to cause life-threatening complications.

The prodromal (or allergic) phase is marked by various allergic reactions and is usually precedes the other first phases in individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome. Affected individuals may develop late-onset asthma including a cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). In individuals who have asthma, the condition may become worse. Some affected individuals develop hay fever (allergic rhinitis), a common condition in which allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose causes a runny nose, sneezing, itching and nasal obstruction. Hay fever may be a chronic, recurring condition. In some cases, repeated episodes of sinus inflammation may occur (sinusitis). Sinusitis may result in facial pain. Chronic inflammation of the nose may cause small benign growths (polyps) to form (polyposis) within the nose. The prodromal phase may last from months to many years. Respiratory symptoms are usually the first signs of Churg-Strauss syndrome and can precede the development of vasculitis by as little as six months or as much as two decades.

The eosinophilic phase of Churg-Strauss syndrome is marked by the accumulation of eosinophils in various tissues of the body. Eosinophils are a specific type of white blood cell. The exact role of eosinophils in the body is unknown, but they are often produced in response to allergies. In individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome, abnormally high numbers of eosinophils (hypereosinophilia) are produced and may accumulate in various tissues of the body especially the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and skin.

The third phase of Churg-Strauss syndrome is known as the vasculitic phase and is marked by widespread inflammation of various blood vessels of the body (vasculitis). Chronic vasculitis may cause narrowing of affected blood vessels, blocking or slowing the flow of blood to various organs of the body. In addition, inflamed blood vessels may become thin and fragile, potentially rupturing and bleeding into surrounding tissue or the blood vessels may become stretched out or develop a bulge (aneurysm).

As mentioned above the symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome vary widely in presentation, severity, duration and onset. Since different organ systems will be affected in different people, all of the symptoms discussed below will not occur in every case.

The symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome vary depending upon the organ systems involved. Most individuals develop asthma-like symptoms (discussed above) usually before the onset of other symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals develop symptoms of vasculitis before respiratory symptoms.

Individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome often develop nonspecific symptoms that may be associated with various illnesses including fatigue, fever, weight loss, night sweats, abdominal pain, cough, joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia), and a general feeling of ill health (malaise). Swollen lymph nodes and generalized weakness have also been reported. Inner ear infections with fluid build up (serous otitis media) may also occur and can result in hearing loss. The moist membrane lining the surface of the eyelids (conjunctiva) may be inflamed as well.

Neurological symptoms are common, affecting approximately 78 percent of individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome. A condition called mononeuritis multiplex, in which two or more nerves in separate areas of the peripheral nervous system are affected, may occur. The peripheral nervous system refers to the nerves found outside the central nervous system (i.e., brain and spinal cord). Associated symptoms depend upon the specific nerves involved. A common symptom is pain, tingling or numbness and eventually weakness and muscle wasting in the hands and feet (extremities). Disease affecting multiple nerves in the same area of the body (polyneuropathy) may also occur. If untreated, serious neurological complications may develop including bleeding on the brain or lack of blood flow to the brain (stroke).

Approximately half of individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome develop skin abnormalities caused by the accumulation of eosinophils in skin tissue. Symptoms may include the development of purplish skin lesions due to bleeding (hemorrhaging) into tissues under the skin (purpura), a rash with hives (urticaria), and small bumps (nodules), especially on the elbows. Gastrointestinal involvement results in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stools and inflammation of the membrane lining the colon (colitis).

Individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome may develop heart abnormalities including inflammation of the fibrous sac (pericardium) that surrounds the heart (percarditis), inflammation of the muscular wall (myocardium) of the heart (myocarditis), heart failure and potentially a heart attack. Symptoms associated with heart disease include fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, chest pain and fainting episodes. Heart abnormalities may be cause by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) and the development of inflammatory nodular lesions (granulomas) within heart tissue.

The kidneys can become involved in some cases eventually resulting in glomerulonephritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the tiny clusters of blood vessels (capillaries) called renal glomeruli that filter the blood as it passes through the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis results in an impaired ability to remove waster and fluid products from the body, which then build up in the bloodstream. Although it is an extremely rare occurrence in individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome, life-threatening kidney failure can occur.

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Causes

The exact cause of Churg-Strauss syndrome is unknown. Most researchers believe that several different factors (e.g., environmental, immunological, and genetic) all play a role in the development of the disorder. Churg-Strauss syndrome is classified as an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s natural defenses against “foreign” or invading organisms begin to attack healthy tissue for unknown reasons. Researchers do not know what sets off or “triggers” the abnormal immune system response in individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Approximately 39 to 59 percent of individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome have detectable levels of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). ANCAs have also been identified in related blood vessel disorders (vasculitides) including Wegener’s granulomatosis. The exact role of these antibodies in the development of Churg-Strauss syndrome is unknown.

The symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome are caused by an abnormal accumulation of large number of antibodies; increased numbers of certain white blood cells (eosinophilia), indicating an inflammatory or allergic response; inflammation of veins, capillaries, and small- and medium-sized arteries; and the development of inflammatory nodular lesions (granulomatosis) within certain tissues and the walls of blood vessels. Although the lungs are often predominantly affected, multiple organ systems may potentially be involved, including the skin, heart, and nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nervous system).

In some cases, Churg-Strauss syndrome has been associated with use of zafirlukast (Accolate), a nonsteroidal medication that was approved in 1996 as a therapy for the prevention and treatment of asthma in individuals 12 years of age and older. In July 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health advisory reporting that six individuals with asthma developed Churg-Strauss syndrome while receiving zafirlukast therapy. In all reported cases, therapy with steroidal asthma medications was discontinued or was being slowly lowered (tapered) during zafirlukast therapy. According to the FDA, the data do not definitively show that use of zafirlukast caused the condition. In addition, the FDA cautions that individuals who are receiving asthma medication should not discontinue their therapy without consulting with their physicians. New labeling for the medication zafirlukast indicates that physicians should carefully monitor affected individuals as corticosteroid dosages are lowered or such therapy is discontinued.

Zafirlukast belongs to a class of medications known as leukotriene antagonists. Leukotrienes, which occur naturally in certain white blood cells (leukocytes), produce inflammatory or allergic responses and are thought to play some role in causing particular allergies and asthma. Leukotriene antagonists, also known as antileukotrienes, are medications that serve to block the action of leukotrienes. There have been some reports in the medical literature in which therapy with montelukast, another leukotriene antagonist, has been associated with the development of Churg-Strauss syndrome. In many of these cases, researchers now believe that the slow removal of steroid treatment revealed existing, but undiagnosed, cases of Churg-Strauss syndrome and that the disorder did not develop because of the drugs. However, the exact relationship, if any, between Churg-Strauss syndrome and leukotriene antagonists is unknown.

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Affected populations

Churg-Strauss syndrome affects males and females in equal numbers, although some reports suggest that males may be affected slightly more often. The disorder can affect individuals of almost any age and has ranged from 15 to 70 years of age. Most cases occur in individuals between 30 and 50 years of age. The estimated mean annual incidence is 2.4 individuals per million. Some researchers believe that Churg-Strauss syndrome is underdiagnosed, making it difficult to determine its true frequency in the general population.

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome may be suspected based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, characteristic physical findings, and specialized tests. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established diagnostic criteria for Churg-Strauss syndrome. An individual is classified as having Churg-Strauss syndrome and not another form of vasculitis if four of the following six findings are identified: 1. asthma; 2. eosinophilia (defined as greater than 10 percent in the circulating blood); 3. mono- or polyneuropathy; 4. nonfixed pulmonary infiltrates; 5. abnormality of the paranasal sinuses; and 6. extravascular eosinophilia.

Diagnostic procedures that may be used to aid in a diagnosis include surgical removal (biopsy) and microscopic examination of small samples of lung tissue, demonstrating inflammation of blood vessels and other associated changes. Chest x-rays and other specialized imaging techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanning, typically reveal abnormalities in the lungs (i.e., pulmonary infiltrates). During CT scanning, a computer and x-rays are used to create a film showing cross-sectional images of an organ's tissue structure. In addition, laboratory tests may be conducted, including tests that demonstrate elevated levels of certain white blood cells (eosinophils) and further suggest the presence of an inflammatory process.

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Standard Therapies

Treatment

Most individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome are first treated with corticosteroid medications such as prednisone or methylprednisonone, which suppress the activity of the immune system (immunosuppressive) and reduce inflammation. Individuals usually receive high-doses of corticosteroid initially and then after improvement is seen the dosage is slowly reduced (tapered off). Many affected individuals only need corticosteroids to achieve remission of their symptoms (monotherapy).

If individuals do not respond to steroid therapy alone or if they have advanced disease (e.g., the presence of kidney or neurological disease), they may require treatment with drugs that inhibit the growth and spread (proliferation) of certain cells (cytotoxic medications) such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine. In some cases, other therapies may be recommended. (For more information, please see the “Investigational Therapies” section below.) Other treatment for individuals with Churg-Strauss Syndrome is symptomatic and supportive.

In 2017, mepolizumab (Nucala) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome).

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Clinical Trials and Studies

Studies are also being conducted to evaluate the use of intravenous infusions with antibodies (immunoglobulins) obtained from plasma (immune globulin [IVIG]) as a treatment for affected individuals who have an incomplete response to corticosteroid or cytotoxic therapy. According to some reports, in some individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome, monthly IVIG therapy may result in decreased levels of certain white blood cells (eosinophils), improved lung (pulmonary) function, and additional improvement of other associated symptoms and findings. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of IVIG therapy in individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Researchers are studying the uses of intravenous doses of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome. Initial results were positive. Additional drugs including interferon alpha, rituximab, and anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) are being studied as potential treatment for individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome. Interferon alpha has demonstrated promising results in study. More research is necessary to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of these potential treatments for individuals with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.

For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:

Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov

Some current clinical trials also are posted on the following page on the NORD website:
https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/find-clinical-trials/

For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com

For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/

Contact for additional information about Churg Strauss syndrome:

John H. Stone, MD, MPH
Director, Clinical Rheumatology
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street / Yawkey 2
Boston, MA. 02114
E-mail: jhstone@partners.org

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References

TEXTBOOKS

Stone JH. Churg-Strauss Syndrome. NORD Guide to Rare Disorders. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia, PA. 2003:674.

Frank MM, et al., Samter’s Immunologic Diseases, 5th ed. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company; 1995:510-2, 852, 884-5.

Champion RH, et al., eds. Textbook of Dermatology. 5th ed. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:1956-7.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Seo P, Stone JH. Small-vessel and medium-vessel vasculitis. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;57:1552-1559.

Guillevin L, Pagnoux C, Guilpain P. Classification of systemic vasculatides. Presse Med. 2007;36:845-53.

Guilpain P, Pagnoux C, Lhote F, Mouthon L, Guillevin L. Antileukotrienes and Churg-Strauss syndrome. Presse Med. 2007;36:890-4.

Hot A, Perard L, Coppere B, et al. Marked improvement of Churg-Strauss vasculitis with intravenous gamma globulins during pregnancy. Clin Rheumatol. 2007;[Epub ahead of print].

Boyer D, Vargas SO, Slattery D, Rivera-Sanchez YM, Colin AA. Churg-Strauss syndrome in children: a clinical and pathologic review. Pediatrics. 2006;118:e914-20.

Kaushik VV, Reddy HV, Bucknall RC. Successful use of rituxamab in a patient with recalcitrant Churg-Strauss syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:1116-7.

Pela G, Tirabassi G, Pattorneri P, et al. Cardiac involvement in the Churg-Strauss syndrome. Am J Cardiol. 2006;97:1519-24.

Sinico RA, Di Toma L, Maggiore U, et al. Renal involvement in Churg-Strauss syndrome. Am J Kidney Dis. 2006;47:770-9.

Sable-Fourtassou R, Cohen P, Mahr A, et al. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and the Churg-Strauss syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 2005;143:632-8.

Rutberg SA, Ward De, Roth BJ. Churg-Strauss syndrome and pregnancy: successful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. J Clin Rheumatol. 2002;8:151-6.

Della Rossa A, Baldini C, Tavoni A, et al. Churg-Strauss syndrome: clinical and serological features of 19 patients from an Italian centre. Rheumatology. 2002;41:1286-94.

Vemuri P, Greenberger PA, Patterson R. Churg-Strauss syndrome: survival for 26 years. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2002;88:640-3.

Solans R, Bosch JA, Perez-Bocanegra C, et al. Churg-Strauss syndrome: outcome and long-term follow-up of 32 patients. Rheumatology. 2001;40:763-71.

Green RL, Vayonis AG. Churg-Strauss syndrome after zafirlukast in two patients not receiving systemic steroid treatment. Lancet. 1999;353:725-6.

Guillevin L, Cohen P, Gayraud M, et al. Churg-Strauss syndrome. Clinical study and long-term follow-up of 96 patients. Medicine. 1999;78:26-37.

Masi A, Hunder G, Lie J, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Medicine. 1990;33:1094-1100.

Churg J, Strauss L. Allergic granulomatosis, allergic rhinitis, and periarteritis nodosa. Am J Pathol. 1951;27:277-301.

FROM THE INTERNET

Farid-Moayer M. Churg-Strauss Syndrome. Emedicine Journal, January 5 2007. Available at: https://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2926.htm Accessed on: July 25, 2007.

Gross WL, Reinhold-Keller E. Churg-Strauss Syndrome. Orphanet encyclopedia, October 2002. Available at: https://www.orpha.net/data/patho/Pro/en/ChurgStrauss-FRenPro745.pdf Accessed on: July 25, 2007.

Mayo Clinic for Medical Education and Research. Churg-Strauss Syndrome. November 14, 2006. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/churg-strauss-syndrome/DS00855 Accessed On: July 25, 2007.

The Cleveland Clinic. What You Need to Know About Churg-Strauss Syndrome. October 27, 2006. Available at: https://www.clevelandclinic.org/arthritis/treat/facts/churg.htm Accessed On: July 25, 2007.

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