Tense blisters and haemorrhagic bullae as the first manifestation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis poses a significant diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical presentation. Here, we present a case of a 59-year-old female with a history of asthma and sinusitis, who manifested with an extremely rare presentation of drastic tense blisters and haemorrhagic bullae alongside purpuric lesions and peripheral neuropathy. Examinations revealed eosinophilia, positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, and characteristic pathological findings with small-vessel vasculitis in the purpura. Treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide led to rapid improvement in peripheral eosinophilia, skin manifestations, and motor neuron deficits. Although rare, our case underscores that bullous skin lesions should be recognised as a potential cutaneous hallmark of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis to aid timely diagnosis, since prompt treatment initiation is crucial given the potential irreversible organ damage and poor prognosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
(© Japan College of Rheumatology 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.)