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Churg Strauss Syndrome

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Churg Strauss Syndromeis not the name you expected.

Synonyms

Allergic Angiitis and Granulomatosis
Allergic Granulomatosis and Angiitis
Allergic Granulomatosis
Eosinophilic Granulomatous Vasculitis
Churg-Strauss Vasculitis

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Churg-Strauss Syndrome is a rare disorder that may affect multiple organ systems, particularly the lungs. The disorder is characterized by the formation and accumulation of an unusually large number of antibodies, abnormal clustering of certain white blood cells (eosinophilia), inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), and the development of inflammatory nodular lesions (granulomatosis).

Many individuals with Churg-Strauss Syndrome 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 one or more years. 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 be variable, depending upon the specific organ systems 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 immunologic and autoimmune factors play an important role.
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Resources

Vasculitis Foundation
P.O. Box 28660
Kansas City
MO
64188
USA
Tel: (816)436-8211
Fax: (816)436-8211
800: (800)277-9474
vf@vasculitisfoundation.org
http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org

American Lung Association
61 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York
NY
10006
USA
Tel: (212)315-8700
Fax: (212)315-8870
800: (800)586-4872
http://www.lungusa.org

NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda
MD
20824-0105
Tel: (301)592-8573
Fax: (301)251-1223
nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.govNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
6610 Rockledge Drive
MSC 6612
Bethesda
MD
20892-6612
Tel: (301)496-5717
Fax: (301)402-3573
TDD: (800)877-8339
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/

Vasculitis of the Central Nervous System
vasculitisoftheCNS@yahoogroups.com
Tel: (770)978-5636
SunnyBrook222@aol.com
http://www.VasculitisoftheCNS@yahoogroups.com

Churg Strauss Syndrome Association
PO Box 671
Southampton
MA
01073
Tel: (413)862-3636
Fax: (413)862-3636
cssa@cssassociation.org
http://www.cssassociation.org

American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
3419 Whispering Ways Drive
Richmond
TX
77469
Tel: (713)498-8216
mail@apfed.org
http://www.apfed.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 10/12/2007
Copyright 1989, 1990, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: October 12, 2007

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.