Half a century of M35.4 in 10 publications.

First description of a new syndrome — diffuse fasciitis with eosinophilia, distinguished from scleroderma by the sparing of the fingers, the absence of Raynaud's phenomenon and the dramatic response to corticosteroids.

First large single-centre cohort (Mayo Clinic): 52 patients, the modern phenotype of EF — frequent flexion contractures (n = 29), associated morphea (n = 15), carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 12) and a handful of haematological associations.

Reference MRI series: fascial T2 hyperintensity and post-gadolinium enhancement are characteristic findings and correlate with disease activity, supporting MRI as a non-invasive tool for both diagnosis and monitoring.

The benchmark clinical review of the past 15 years — a synthesis of clinical presentation, the diagnostic workup and therapeutic options for what was still called Shulman disease at that time.

First formal set of diagnostic criteria for EF: one major criterion (skin/subcutaneous induration sparing the digits) plus minor criteria covering eosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinaemia, MRI and histology. Still the most cited framework.

Largest long-term cohort to date: 89 Mayo Clinic patients followed over 20 years. Most cases are self-limited once treated; combined corticosteroids and methotrexate produce the best outcomes, with disability concentrated in patients with a delayed start of therapy.

Three-centre cohort, n = 63: complete remission reached 64 % under prednisone + methotrexate versus 30 % under prednisone alone, establishing combination therapy as the de-facto first line.

Updated practical review — diagnostic pitfalls, a treatment algorithm and a re-evaluation of biologics (rituximab, tocilizumab) for refractory disease.

Joint dermatology–rheumatology guide: the practical handbook for the clinician seeing the patient for the first time, with photo-illustrated criteria and a graded decision algorithm.

Three patients developing EF after a SARS-CoV-2 infection — the first published series supporting a viral trigger for the disease in part of the population.