Clinical Features of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis with Ascites

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and treatment responses of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) with ascites. Clinical data were collected on 6 EG patients with ascites from 2000 to 2012. Six patients were included in this study, ranging in age from 15 to 30 years. Most had an acute onset (5/6). The clinical manifestations included abdominal pain (5/6), vomiting (4/6), and diarrhea (3/6). The absolute values and percentages of peripheral blood eosinophils (Eos) were significantly elevated in all patients. Erosive or ulcerative lesions were found on endoscopic examination of all patients (6/6). Eosinophilic inflitration was confirmed by endoscopic biopsies (4/6). Ultrasound or abdominal CT showed gastrointestinal wall thickening and peritoneal effusion (6/6). Ascites from the patients were analyzed. Eos were found in ascites by pathological examination in the majority (5/6). The symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia responded to glucocorticoid treatment (p < 0.05). All the patients had good outcomes. One female patient had a relapse, which responded to re-administration of glucocorticoid treatment. EG with ascites is more common in young patients, often presenting with non-specific symptoms. Typical clinical manifestations include acute onset, abdominal pain, and ascites. Eos in ascites and peripheral blood are the main diagnostic clues. Ultrasound and CT examinations are important to support the diagnosis of EG, and endoscopic biopsies can help to establish the diagnosis. Treatment with glucocorticoids is effective.