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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Churg-Strauss Syndrome?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome?
by Carolina03, Mar 21, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,
I was diagnosed with asthma/chronic bronchitis and microvascular disease after my third pregnancy in 2004 in which I experienced periodic chest pain. I'm under the care of a cardiologist and pulmonologist.
A GI-doctor is working me up for moderate abdominal pain over the ileum. He suspects Crohns; my blood work was abnormal for inflammation and eosinophils. My ESR was normal. If it matters, I had the test during prednisone therapy for severe bronchitis.
My primary care doctor has recommended referring me to a rheumotologist for evaluation of vasculitis but I am tired of doctors.
What do you think of Churg-Strauss Syndrome or another type of vasculitis, (does anything come to your mind)?
And do your young female patients tend to be more symptomatic around their periods?
Thanks,
C
I was diagnosed with asthma/chronic bronchitis and microvascular disease after my third pregnancy in 2004 in which I experienced periodic chest pain. I'm under the care of a cardiologist and pulmonologist.
A GI-doctor is working me up for moderate abdominal pain over the ileum. He suspects Crohns; my blood work was abnormal for inflammation and eosinophils. My ESR was normal. If it matters, I had the test during prednisone therapy for severe bronchitis.
My primary care doctor has recommended referring me to a rheumotologist for evaluation of vasculitis but I am tired of doctors.
What do you think of Churg-Strauss Syndrome or another type of vasculitis, (does anything come to your mind)?
And do your young female patients tend to be more symptomatic around their periods?
Thanks,
C
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 22, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 22, 2006 12:00AM
It is difficult to say without evaluation. If Churg-Strauss syndrome is consider, one can consider various blood tests for evaluation - including ANCA antibodies.
If there is suspicion of Crohn's, more antibody testing can be considered (i.e. the anti-OmpC) as well as imaging with a small-bowel follow-through or capsule endoscopy.
As for symptoms around the menstrual period - it is possible that various non-specific symtoms can be amplified around that time.
A rheumatology referral is a reasonable suggestion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
If there is suspicion of Crohn's, more antibody testing can be considered (i.e. the anti-OmpC) as well as imaging with a small-bowel follow-through or capsule endoscopy.
As for symptoms around the menstrual period - it is possible that various non-specific symtoms can be amplified around that time.
A rheumatology referral is a reasonable suggestion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
This would definately make a difference. You should repeat that test with no prednisone or other anti-inflamatories.
Re: my last question on increased symptoms of chest pain at the beginning of my menstrual cycle. It's as if a switch goes "on" and the chest pain returns with a vengeance. My GYN sent me to my cardio and said it could be related to edema. When I brought it up with my cardio, he shrugged. I swear.
I know science isn't clear cut. But it seems to me if you have a predictable, debilitating and seemingly dangerous symptom, there ought to be a standard of care to treat it. I can't take hormones due to cardio disease.