Juvenile eosinophilic fasciitis: three case reports with review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Eosinophilic fasciitis is an uncommon scleroderma-like disorder characterised by induration and thickening of skin and soft tissue, usually associated with peripheral eosinophilia, poorly characterised in childhood.

METHODS: We report 3 paediatric cases of eosinophilic fasciitis showing unusual clinical and histopathological features with a review of the literature.

RESULTS: All cases presented progressive motility impairment started from upper limbs with no skin abnormalities. All cases showed systemic inflammatory involvement and 2 patients had acute complications. Two patients developed disabling outcomes despite appropriate treatments.

CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic fasciitis may present unusual clinical and histopathological features during childhood and requires early recognition in order to prevent acute complications and disabling outcomes.