Wilhelm Löffler (medical doctor)

Wilhelm Löffler (1887-1972) was a Swiss physician and pathologist best known for his contributions to the fields of pulmonology and hematology. He is particularly recognized for his discovery and characterization of eosinophilic infiltrates in the lungs, a condition now known as Löffler's syndrome.

Löffler received his medical degree from the University of Zurich in 1912. He worked in pathology and internal medicine before focusing on pulmonary diseases. In the 1930s, Löffler described a transient pulmonary infiltration associated with peripheral eosinophilia, often linked to parasitic infections or drug reactions. His detailed clinical observations and pathological investigations were crucial in defining this syndrome.

Beyond Löffler's syndrome, he also made significant contributions to understanding the role of eosinophils in other diseases and contributed to the development of new diagnostic methods. His research advanced the understanding of pulmonary and hematological disorders. Löffler held professorships at the Universities of Zurich and Basel. He left a legacy of careful clinical observation and rigorous scientific investigation.