Detection of FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene-positive cells in the skin lesion of a patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2023 Mar 22;48(4):364-367. doi: 10.1093/ced/llac112.

Abstract

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a heterogeneous group of diseases, characterized by persistent hypereosinophilia and end-organ damage. The FIP1L1-PDGFRA (F/P) fusion gene is found in 3-25% of patients with HES and is an oncogenic driver of myeloid neoplasms with clonal eosinophilia. Although cutaneous symptoms are the most common type of symptom in patients who have F/P fusion gene-positive HES (F/P HES), histological reports are limited. We herein present the case of a 78-year-old man with erythematous macules and severe pruritus on his trunk and extremities. Laboratory investigations revealed marked eosinophilia and elevated serum vitamin B12. A histological examination showed massive infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells around the vessels in the upper dermis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed F/P fusion genes in nuclei in the peripheral blood and the skin lesion. The patient was diagnosed with F/P HES, and showed an excellent clinical and haematological response to imatinib.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* / genetics
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* / pathology
  • Imatinib Mesylate / therapeutic use
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha / genetics
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha / metabolism
  • mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors