Published in:
01-09-2011 | Case Report
Bowel perforations in a patient affected by Churg–Strauss syndrome under high-dose steroid treatment: will alternative drugs reduce risk of surgery?
Published in: Rheumatology International | Issue 9/2011
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Churg–Strauss syndrome is a relapsing–remitting vasculitis that frequently involves digestive system. Ischemic perforation of the large bowel is relatively rare and potentially life threatening. We report a case treated with high dose of steroids for a relapsing of Churg–Strauss vasculopathy that underwent emergency surgery for multiple large-bowel perforations. Massive use of steroids is common for controlling relapse of this disease, but this increases the risk of intestinal perforation. A prompt switching to alternative drugs when intestinal tract is involved should be considered in order to prevent surgery.