CGRA3: “NATURAL” THERAPY FOR ASTHMA

Abstract

We report the case of an atopic 60-year-old man with progressive retrosternal chest pain and self-limiting atrial tachyarrhythmia. On his second presentation, he was investigated for dynamic electrocardiogram changes and elevated serum troponin. Coronary artery disease was suspected but coronary angiography yielded unremarkable results. A chest radiograph revealed left lower lobe consolidation with effusion and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Subsequently it was noted that the patient had persistent and marked peripheral blood eosinophilia. On questioning, he disclosed deliberate inoculation of a helminth, taken in the hope of improving his asthma symptoms. His presentation was consistent with eosinophilic myocarditis and eosinophilic pneumonia secondary to helminthic infection. He was commenced on albendazole and corticosteroids with resolution of his peripheral eosinophilia, chest pain and chest radiograph abnormalities. There are information resources readily and easily accessible to the general public advocating the use of helminthic therapy as a treatment for allergic diseases. This case highlights the potential harmful effects of this therapy due to secondary hypereosinophilia and the associated end organ damage.