Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as persistent abdominal pain and ascites: A case report

Abstract

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare benign inflammatory disease affecting the infant and adult population. It presents by eosinophilic infiltration of the intestinal tract wall including the stomach, small intestines, and rarely the colon. EGE is divided into three subtypes depending on the layers and extent of bowel involved (mucosal, muscular, and serosal). Accurate diagnosis is still considered a challenge to professionals because of the protean manifestations; it needs a combination of clinical, laboratory, radiological, and histological workup. We report here a case of a 35-year-old male with a 3-month history of abdominal pain and distension. On examination, we found mild-to-moderate ascites and peripheral eosinophilia with markedly elevated eosinophils (85%). The imaging studies showed bowel wall thickening involving the entire small bowel and mild duodenitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by duodenal biopsy. The patient was managed with steroids (prednisolone 40 mg) and had an excellent response to the treatment. There is no single laboratory test or procedure to diagnose EGE; it requires a combination of laboratory, radiologic, and endoscopic findings. This report will guide decision-making for the initial phase of treatment and maintenance therapy in a more consistent way.