Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome presenting with multiple organ damage: A case report

RATIONALE: Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES) is a rare disease in which patients which present with eosinophilia-associated damage. Previous studies focused on organ damage from increased eosinophilic granulocytosis. We report IHES in a patient who presented with multiple organ damage (MOD). PATIENT CONCERNS: A 52-year-old male presented with MOD, including myocardial damage suggestive of myocardial infarction, cardiac tamponade, respiratory failure, skin damage, and gastrointestinal damage. DIAGNOSES: The absolute eosinophil count was 12,920/mm(3), much higher than occurs in other diseases associated with eosinophilia (1500/mm(3)), and suggesting a diagnosis of IHES. INTERVENTIONS: Prednisone combined with hydroxyurea. OUTCOMES: At 6 months after completion of drug treatment, the patient had no chest pain or dyspnea, and the results of a blood panel, chest computed tomography, and gastroscopy were normal. LESSONS: MOD is very rare in patients with IHES. Patients receiving prompt diagnosis and treatment have very good prognoses.