A fatal eosinophilic process in a Laotian refugee

A 17-year-old Laotian refugee developed an ultimately fatal disease process characterized by formation of an abdominal eosinophilic mass, peripheral eosinophila, and elevated serum IgE. No parasitic pathogens that could explain her disease were isolated during life or identified at autopsy. Furthermore, the disease was not consistent with previously described neoplastic, inflammatory, or idiopathic diseases. We believe this process represents a unique, aggressive variation of the hypereosinophilic syndrome, and that immunosuppressive therapy may be warranted.