Therapeutic angiogenesis by controlled-release fibroblast growth factor in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome complicated by an intractable ischemic leg ulcer

Am J Med Sci. 2009 Oct;338(4):341-2. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181abbd09.

Abstract

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) causes necrotizing vasculitis affecting small- to medium-sized arteries, mainly in the lungs, gastrointestinal system, heart, kidneys, and skin. Skin lesions sometimes ulcerate because of severe ischemia and become intractable when complicated by bacterial infection. We report a rare case of CSS, characterized by a nonhealing ischemic skin ulcer of the right calf with bacterial infection resistant to antibiotics. After sterile maggot debridement therapy, 2 skin autografts failed. Subsequently, a slow-release formula of basic fibroblast growth factor incorporated in biodegradable gelatin hydrogel was administered into the calf muscles to induce vascular regeneration. The ulcer eventually healed with no recurrence. This report describes the use of controlled-release basic fibroblast growth factor for an ischemic leg ulcer in a patient with CSS, suggesting a possible therapeutic role of this novel neovascularization therapy in treating severe skin lesions complicating autoimmune vasculitis syndromes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arteries / growth & development*
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / complications
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / administration & dosage*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / complications*
  • Leg Ulcer / complications*
  • Male

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2