The Churg-Strauss syndrome is one of the relatively rare prognostically serious diseases with a high mortality. The dermatological manifestations are usually discrete and not typical. A useful and frequently decisive criterium is histological examination. The authors describe two female patients, one, aged 23 years, developed soon after the skin manifestations general complications of vasculitis and the disease proved fatal despite intensive care. In the other patients - aged 45 years - the development of the disease was also very rapid but less severe. The authors emphasize the necessity of careful correlation of clinical and laboratory data and a detailed case-history which can lead to the establishment of a correct diagnosis and early administration of effective therapy.

        Key words: Churg-Strauss syndrome - dermatological manifestations - histological examination