Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis in Taiwan: 20 Years Clinical Experience in One Medical Center

Abstract

Background and Aim: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG), a rare gastrointestinal (GI) tract disease, usually involves vague abdominal symptoms. Owing to the difficulty of diagnosis, the prevalence of EG is still unclear. Herein, we aim to identify the clinical features of EG in Taiwanese patients. Methods: The medical records of 19 patients with definitive EG in a medical center over a 20-year period were reviewed. Results: Nineteen patients, 12 males and 7 females aged 42 ± 18 years, had been diagnosed with EG. The most common symptoms were diarrhea (74%) and abdominal pain (53%). Laboratory examinations revealed abnormalities of peripheral hypereosinophilia (84%), hypoalbuminemia (39%), and anemia (37%). Seventeen patients were diagnosed by histiology of endoscopic biopsies and 2 by operation. EG patients with ascites more frequently had symptoms of abdominal fullness and radiological abnormalities. Excellent therapeutic responses to steroid therapy (92%) and a high recurrent rate (47%) were observed. Conclusion: Vague GI symptoms, peripheral hypereosinophilia, and ascites of unknown origin are clues for diagnosing EG. Repeated, multiple, and random biopsies with adequate depth, even over areas of normal mucosa are necessary for accurate diagnosis. A timely diagnosis could initiate effective steroid therapy and even prevent unnecessary operations.