Possible association between eosinophilic fasciitis and subcutaneous heparin use

J Rheumatol. 1998 Feb;25(2):383-5.

Abstract

The association between the onset of eosinophilic fasciitis and exposure to a drug or a toxin has occasionally been reported. We describe 3 patients who developed eosinophilic fasciitis a few months after they received subcutaneous calcium heparin. In 2 patients, clinical manifestations and eosinophilia improved after interruption of the therapy. Although spontaneous occurrence of eosinophilic fasciitis cannot be excluded in our patients, the temporal relationship with the beginning of subcutaneous heparin therapy raises the possibility that the syndrome might be precipitated by the drug.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Eosinophilia / chemically induced*
  • Eosinophilia / diagnostic imaging
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Fasciitis / chemically induced*
  • Fasciitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Fasciitis / pathology
  • Female
  • Heparin / administration & dosage
  • Heparin / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Heparin