Eosinophilic Fasciitis: Current and Remaining Challenges
Diana Mazilu, Laura Alina Boltașiu, Denise-Ani Mardale, Maria Silviana Bijă, Sermina Ismail, Violeta Zanfir, Florentina Negoi, Andra Bălănescu
Abstract
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), defined as diffuse fasciitis with eosinophilia by Shulman in 1974, is a disease with unknown etiology and whose pathogenesis is still being researched. The diagnosis is based on the clinical aspects (skin induration with an "orange peel" appearance), the lab results (eosinophilia, increased inflammatory markers), the skin biopsy with the pathognomonic histopathological result, as well as the typical MRI changes. The treatment includes glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs. Due to severe refractory cases, the treatment remains a challenge. EF is still a disease with potential for further research.