Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) in a female pediatric patient.

Abstract

Wells' syndrome, or eosinophilic cellulitis, is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin, uncommon in the pediatric age. It usually appears clinically as erythematous and edematous plaques, nodules, papules, blisters, among other symptoms. Here we describe the case of a female pediatric patient with generalized, asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules associated with severe eosinophilia. The histopathological examination of the lesions was compatible with Wells' syndrome. An interdisciplinary evaluation was performed to establish the cause and look for associated eosinophilic disorders; the results were negative. Systemic corticosteroids were indicated and the patient had a good response; however, in view of the recurrence of the lesions after treatment discontinuation, dapsone was indicated as a second-line treatment, with subsequent improvement of the lesions and eosinophilia. The aim of this report was to describe the case of a female patient with an atypical manifestation of Wells' syndrome and the resulting therapeutic challenge.