An Elderly Patient with Abdominal Pain: Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Abstract

Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) is diagnosed when there is peripheral hypereosinophilia with eosinophil count of more than >1500/µL. The duration of the illness usually lasts more than 6 months, with evidence of target organ damage, affecting mainly the skin, heart, and neurological system, without apparent aetiology. This case report details a case of hypereosinophilic syndrome in an 80-year-old man with multiple co-morbidities, who presented with unexplained peripheral eosinophilia, intermittent skin rashes, cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal symptoms. It is important to consider the diagnosis of hypereosinophilic syndrome when there is an unexplained peripheral eosinophilia, and thus intervene rapidly to prevent life-threatening complications.