Hipereosinofílico

Hipereosinofílico refers to a condition characterized by an abnormally high number of eosinophils in the blood or tissues. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune system, particularly in fighting parasitic infections and mediating allergic inflammatory responses. When their numbers become excessively elevated, it can lead to various health problems.

The causes of hypereosinophilia are diverse. They can be broadly categorized into primary hypereosinophilia, which arises from a clonal disorder of eosinophils themselves (often associated with certain types of leukemia or myeloproliferative neoplasms), and secondary hypereosinophilia, which is a reactive response to other underlying conditions. Common triggers for secondary hypereosinophilia include allergic diseases like asthma, eczema, and drug reactions, as well as parasitic infections, certain autoimmune disorders, and some malignancies.

Symptoms associated with hypereosinophilia vary depending on the cause and the organs affected. They can range from mild, such as skin rashes or itching, to severe, including damage to organs like the heart, lungs, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Cardiac involvement, known as Löffler endocarditis or hypereosinophilic syndrome with cardiac damage, can lead to heart failure and is a serious complication.

Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count to quantify eosinophil levels, followed by investigations to determine the underlying cause. These may include allergy testing, imaging studies, biopsies of affected tissues, and sometimes genetic or molecular testing. Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific cause of the hypereosinophilia. For reactive causes, addressing the underlying condition is paramount. In cases of primary hypereosinophilia or severe organ damage, medications such as corticosteroids or targeted therapies may be employed to reduce eosinophil counts and prevent further tissue injury.