Evaluation and differential diagnosis of marked, persistent eosinophilia

Semin Hematol. 2012 Apr;49(2):149-59. doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2012.01.006.

Abstract

High-grade eosinophilia can be a diagnostic dilemma, as the etiologies are extensive and varied. Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) are a group of heterogeneous disorders, many of which remain poorly defined. By definition, HES must be distinguished from other disorders with persistently elevated eosinophilia with a defined cause. Although marked eosinophilia worldwide is most commonly caused by helminth (worm) infections, non-infectious causes must be considered, and include drug reactions, malignancies, and immunologic, inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / immunology*
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Inflammation / diagnosis
  • Inflammation / immunology