Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS)

CSS was first described in 1951 by Jacob Churg and Lotte Strauss as a symptom complex with asthma, eosinophilia and vasculitis. CSS resembles polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) in many aspects. CSS however has characteristic granulomas while PAN does not.(Hence also called allergic granulomatosis).

CSS occurs in middle aged individuals. They present with new or worse asthma. Asthma can start many years before the other symptoms.

Marked by eosinophilia then follows. After that there is the phase vasculitis. Vasculitis can involve the lungs, skin, nerves, kidneys and sometimes other body organs.