Pediatric hypereosinophilic syndrome associated with liver damage, portal vein, splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein thromboses: a case report

BMC Pediatr. 2023 May 12;23(1):233. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04014-0.

Abstract

Background: The hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a group of rare blood disorders characterized by persistent eosinophilia and damage to multiple organs. HES can be either primary, secondary or idiopathic. Secondary HES are commonly caused by parasitic infections, allergic reactions or cancer. We described a pediatric case of HES associated with liver damage and multiple thrombi. A 12-year-old boy with eosinophilia was complicated with severe thrombocytopenia, liver damage, portal vein, splenic vein, and superior mesenteric vein thromboses. The thrombi recanalized after treatment with methylprednisolone succinate and low molecular weight heparin. No side effects appeared after 1-month.

Conclusions: Corticosteroids should be used at an early stage of HES to prevent further damage to vital organs. Anticoagulants should be recommended only in cases with thrombosis which should be actively screened as a part of evaluation of end organ damage.

Keywords: Hypereosinophilic syndrome; Liver damage; Portal vein; Splenic vein; Superior mesenteric vein; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* / complications
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Liver Diseases*
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis* / etiology