Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a heterogeneous group of disorders with the common features of prolonged eosinophilia
of underdetermined cause and multiple organ system dysfunction. Focal eosinophilic myositis is an uncommon manifestation of
HES. We report a case of focal eosinophilic myositis with tender muscle swelling followed by proximal weakness, but without
non-systemic symptoms and muscle trophism in the lower limbs. Muscle biopsy specimen showed acute myositis with eosinophil
infiltration. Electromyographic features were typical of myositis. The clinical and biochemical response to corticosteroids
was excellent, and a relapse that occurred because the steroid dose was not lowered, responded well.
Key words:Eosinophilia – Focal eosinophilic myositis
Received: 20 October 2000 / Accepted: 31 March 2001