Eosinophilic fasciitis in a 57-year-old Japanese-American woman.

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by symmetrical sclerodermatous skin changes primarily affecting the extremities and histologically, by thickening of the fascia with chronic inflammatory infiltrate containing eosinophils. EF is associated with peripheral eosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and an elevated ESR. Reported is a case of EF in a 57-year-old Japanese-American woman who refused treatment with prednisone, review of other treatment options, and discussion of key differences between this disease and scleroderma.