Hypereosinophilia–An Unusual Cause of Multiple Embolic Strokes and Multi-Organ Dysfunction

Abstract

‘Eosinophilia’ can occur due to a large number of allergic, infectious, neoplastic, and idiopathic diseases. It can range in severity from a self-limiting condition to a life-threatening disorder. The term ‘hypereosinophilia’ refers to eosinophil levels >1500/µL, and regardless of the underlying cause can be associated with tissue and organ damage. ‘Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)’ is a rare disorder with sustained eosinophilia and multi-organ dysfunction in the absence of a discernable secondary cause. ‘Undefined Hypereosinophilic Syndrome’ is the most common type of primary hypereosinophilic diseases and we are reporting here one such case who presented with acute multiple embolic strokes secondary to biventricular apical thrombi and multi-organ dysfunction of a fulminant nature. This case highlights the limitation in current diagnostic criteria for HES and emphasizes the need for early intervention.

Keywords

• hypereosinophilic syndrome
• stroke
• encephalopathy
• eosinophilic myocarditis