Eosinophilic fasciitis

Eosinophilic fasciitis (/ˌiːəˌsɪnəˈfɪlɪk ˌfæʃiˈaɪtɪs, ˌiːoʊ-, -ˌfæsi-/^[2][3]), also known as Shulman's syndrome or diffuse fasciitis with eosinophilia,^[4] is an inflammatory disease that affects the fascia, other connective tissues, surrounding muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Unlike other forms of fasciitis, eosinophilic fasciitis is typically self-limited and confined to the arms and legs, although it can require treatment with corticosteroids, and some cases are associated with aplastic anemia.^[5]

The condition was first characterized by Shulman in 1974,^[6] but it is not yet known whether it is actually a distinct condition or merely a variant presentation of another syndrome. The presentation is similar to that of scleroderma or systemic sclerosis. However, unlike scleroderma, eosinophilic fasciitis affects the deeper fascial layers, rather than the dermis; the characteristic and severe effects of scleroderma and systemic sclerosis, such as Raynaud's syndrome, involvement of the extremities, prominent small blood vessels (telangiectasias), and visceral changes such as swallowing problems, are absent. Nevertheless, the term remains used for diagnostic purposes.