The hypereosinophilic syndrome: analysis of fourteen cases with review of the literature.

TLDR

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome comprises several related entities characterized by persistent eosinophilia that causes organ damage, yet its etiology and tissue‑damage mechanisms remain unknown. In a cohort of 14 patients, hematologic, cardiac, and neurologic abnormalities were observed, and survival and chemotherapy response were significantly better than in prior reports.

Abstract

Several closely related disease entities make up the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). The syndrome is manifest by persistent and prolonged eosinophilia with organ damage. A group of 14 patients had hematologic, cardiac, and neurologic abnormalities attributable to this disease. Patient survival and response to chemotherapy was significantly better in this group than in previously reported patients. The etiology of HES remains unknown, as does the mechanism of tissue damage.