Loeffler's Syndrome, With a Report of Twenty Three Cases

1) Twenty-three cases of Loeffler's Syndrome are reported.

2) Loeffler describes his cases as being asymptomatic. The majority of the cases reported herein had symptoms. In spite of the fact that symptoms were present, these must be included as Loeffler's Syndrome cases. If they are to be excluded, then a new terminology would have to be found for these symptomatic shifting or transitory lesions.

3) X-ray film characteristics are discussed.

4) Chief diagnostic characteristic was increase in the blood eosinophiles. It was noted that the highest percentage of blood eosinophiles occurred just before the lesion started to receed.

5) Major discrepancy noted was that Loeffler and others found helminthiasis present in practically all of their cases. In this series, a little over 10 per cent showed helminthiasis.

6) Treatment by regular injections of adrenalin hydrochloride showed no change in the x-ray shadow. Blood transfusions were then used and proved to be very successful, rapidly changing the course of the disease and clearing of the shadow. Cortisone has proved almost a specific in the treatment of Loeffler's Syndrome. Method used is described.

7) There were no fatalities. The prognosis in all cases of Loeffler's Syndrome is good.