Abstract
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare condition characterized by recurrent eosinophilic infiltration of portions of the GI tract and presenting with nonspecific GI symptoms in association with peripheral eosinophilia. Its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear and its symptoms overlap with many GI and systemic diseases. Thus, both gastroenterologists and general internists need to be aware of this rare condition. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with diffuse abdominal pain and distention for two weeks. His physical examination was significant for moderate ascites. Initial work-up demonstrated severe peripheral blood eosinophilia, normal liver function tests, thickening of the stomach and small bowel wall, and elevated serum IgE. Upper endoscopy and extensive testing for malignancy and parasitic infections failed to establish a diagnosis. Ascitic fluid analysis showed significant eosinophilia. Further, a full-thickness jejunal showed marked eosinophilic infiltration of the serosa and muscularis propria. Subsequent treatment with oral prednisone resulted in normalization of laboratory and radiologic abnormalities in a few week period.
Highlights
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease of the gastrointestinal system characterized by recurrent eosinophilic infiltration of portions of the GI tract
This disorder leads to nonspecific GI symptoms that are usually associated with peripheral eosinophilia
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent [1] eosinophilic infiltration of portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract presenting with nonspecific GI symptoms in association with peripheral eosinophilia [2, 3]
Summary
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease of the gastrointestinal system characterized by recurrent eosinophilic infiltration of portions of the GI tract This disorder leads to nonspecific GI symptoms that are usually associated with peripheral eosinophilia. The patient reported nausea and vomiting clear material He denied any recent fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, change in bowel habits, sick contacts, and consumption of raw food. He denied any chest pain, shortness of breath, joint swelling, and skin rash. The patient was admitted to the general medical service and placed on bowel rest and intravenous fluid hydration Further he underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which demonstrated mild duodenitis and biopsies demonstrated mild nonspecific acute inflammation predominantly lymphocytic.
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