J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2010 Sep;17(3):326-330.

A Case of Recurrent Bowel Perforation in a Patient with Churg-Strauss Syndrome

• Lee CH
• Song JH
• Jang SJ
• Han YJ
• Lee MS

Abstract

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare systemic disorder characterized by asthma, eosionphilia and necrotizing vasculitis affecting small-to-medium-sized vessels. Although it is frequently associated with gastrointestinal mucosal lesions, recurrent bowel perforation is rare and potentially life threatening. We report a case of a 66-year-old man with Churg-Strauss syndrome, who presented with recurrent small bowel perforation. He was admitted with abdominal pain developed previous night, who had a previous small bowel perforation history treated with laparoscopic closure 5 months ago. Laboratory data showed remarkable eosinophilia. Physical examination indicated positive signs of peritoneal irritation in the entire abdomen, and abdominal computed tomography scanning showed edematous small bowel with intra-abdominal free air, suggesting intestinal perforation. He underwent laparoscopic small bowel closure and was treated with steroid.

Keyword

Churg-Strauss syndrome; Recurrent bowel perforation; Laparoscopic closure; Steroid

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Abdominal Pain
Aged
Asthma
Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Eosinophilia
Humans
Intestinal Perforation
Physical Examination
Vasculitis

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Chest radiography shows bilateral patchy consolidation and increased interstitial marking of left lower lung field with bihilar nodular lesion.

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  Fig. 2. Abdominal computed tomography image shows intra-abdominal free-air (arrow) indicating bowel perforation.

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