Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

About Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a form of vasculitis (inflammatory vessel disease) that affects blood flow to your lungs and gastrointestinal tract. The heart and kidneys can also be affected, but this is less common. As a result of this disrupted blood flow, these tissues can develop regions of inflammations comprised of white blood cells. These masses are called granulomas and they impair organ function. Patients with EGPA have a higher number of white blood cells called eosinophils that are associated with allergies.

Along with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), EGPA is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. In these diseases, vascular inflammation is caused by antibodies called ANCAs.

Symptoms of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Symptoms of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis can vary depending on which organ systems are affected.

Symptoms of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis may include:

• Abdominal pain or blood in stool
• Chest pain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rashes
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sinus infections

Risk Factors for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is more prevalent in certain patient populations.

Risk factors for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis may include:

• Health history: Patients with EGPA usually have a history of allergies and/or asthma.

Treating Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis at UT Health Austin

Like all forms of vasculitis, corticosteroids like prednisone can be used to address the inflammation associated with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Your physician may prescribe an immunosuppressant medication such as rituximab, methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place. The Vasculitis Clinic care team includes rheumatologists, nurses, and medical assistants who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to develop the best treatment plan for you. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Learn More About Your Care Team