Eosinophilic oesophagitis: a clinical update

Abstract

Eosinophilic oeosophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathological disease typified by eosinophilic infiltrate of the oesophageal epithelium, due to an allergic inflammatory response mediated by either food antigens or aeroallergens. The presence of eosinophils in the oesophagus has been recognised for a number of years since they were described in a case of achalasia;1 however, their associations with dysphagia and food bolus obstruction were first described by Attwood et al in 19932 and Straumann et al in 1994.3 While initially more frequently recognised in the paediatric population, EoE has since become an increasingly recognised cause of dysphagia and food bolus obstruction among adults. The presentation of EoE varies with age. Young children can present with failure to thrive and food refusal, whereas adolescents may experience vomiting, epigastric pain, or chest pain. Adults usually present with dysphagia, heartburn, chest pain, and food bolus obstruction. EoE is more common in males; often …