Abstract Introduction Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a rare systemic vasculitis affecting small- and medium-sized vessels, characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and multisystemic involvement, particularly of the respiratory and neuromuscular systems. Pulmonary dysfunction, muscle weakness, and exertional dyspnea markedly reduce functional capacity and quality of life. Physiotherapy plays a key role in EGPA management, targeting cardiopulmonary reconditioning, muscle strengthening, and restoration of functional independence. Description This case reports the physiotherapeutic intervention in a 48-year-old male diagnosed with EGPA. The patient presented a two-year history of cough, wheezing, progressive dyspnea, 5 kg weight loss, and severe hypereosinophilia (15,000 cells/µL). During the last hospitalization, he developed multiple mononeuropathy and weaknesses in foot dorsiflexion, more pronounced on the left side. Clinical and laboratory findings (positive p-ANCA (perinuclear Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) and ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) 1:320, fine speckled nuclear pattern) confirmed the diagnosis. At baseline physiotherapy evaluation, he was stable (blood pressure: BP 130 × 90 mmHg, heart rate: HR 74 bpm, peripheral blood oxygen saturation, SpO2 94%, subjective perception of effort, Borg Scale, 3). Discussion A six-week pulmonary rehabilitation program was implemented, aiming to improve aerobic capacity, reduce dyspnea, and increase the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) to 90% of the predicted value. Training included treadmill exercise (20-35 min, until 50-70% VO2max) and resistance exercises for upper and lower limbs (three sets of 15 repetitions, loads progressing from 60-80% of one repetition maximum test). The first two weeks emphasized adaptation and tolerance; weeks 3-4 introduced gradual intensity increases; and the final weeks focused on maintaining training at target intensity, consolidating gains in endurance and strength. At program completion, the patient showed BP 120 × 80 mmHg, HR 70 bpm, SpO2 98%, and Borg Scale 4, without adverse events, demonstrating good exercise tolerance. Subjective improvements included reduced dyspnea, better postural stability, and enhanced ventilatory control, indicating favorable cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular adaptation. This case highlights the effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving aerobic performance, muscle strength, and functional capacity in EGPA. Regular physiotherapeutic follow-up remains crucial to sustain these outcomes and prevent cardiorespiratory deconditioning commonly observed in autoimmune diseases. Interdisciplinary collaboration optimizes clinical management, promotes therapeutic adherence, and contributes to overall quality of life enhancement. This abstract is funded by: None
Lima et al. (Fri,) studied this question.